A pair of teens are behind bars after allegedly attempting to break into cars, fleeing the scene and causing a three-vehicle accident.
Dalyn Thomas, 18, is charged with felony burglary and possession of a controlled substance. An additional 17-year-old male was arrested and charged with fleeing and possession of a stolen vehicle, Chief Garland Ward told The Dispatch.
Columbus Police officers responded at about 9 p.m. Thursday to reports of three suspicious individuals peering into and attempting to break into cars at the Colony Apartments, Ward said.
After arriving on scene, officers saw a driver and two passengers fleeing the scene in masks and hoodies in an unmarked Dodge Durango. Officers attempted to initiate a traffic stop, but the driver fled west on Alabama Street to Lehmberg Road, a Friday CPD press release said.
The 17-year-old driver of the vehicle then allegedly caused a three vehicle pile-up at the intersection of those two streets. Thomas and the driver of the vehicle suffered minor injuries.
Between the two other vehicles involved in the accident, two other individuals suffered minor injuries and were taken to Baptist Memorial Hospital-Golden Triangle, Ward said.
The driver and passengers attempted to flee the scene of the crash. Officers arrested Thomas at the scene while the two other passengers fled into the wooded area nearby.
Officers apprehended one of the suspects. The third had not been located and arrested as of Friday, Ward said.
After the crash, officers learned the vehicle the three suspects were driving was allegedly carjacked in Aliceville, Alabama, and the three suspects have warrants out for that crime from Aliceville Police Department, Ward said.
Thomas and the driver were taken to Baptist for minor injuries. Thomas was booked at Lowndes County Adult Detention Center without bond.
The 17-year-old was arrested and taken to Lowndes County Juvenile Detention Center.
The investigation remains ongoing, Ward said, adding additional charges are possible.
Anyone with additional information is encouraged to contact CPD at (662) 244-3500 or Golden Triangle Crime Stoppers at (800) 530-7151.
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