Columbus, OH - Suspect Steals CPD Cruiser - Chase - Crash Into Tree - Hurt Suspect Ejected - Totaled Cruiser

Police Cuff Man To Gurney After He Allegedly Steals, Crashes Cruiser
Friday, Apr 25, 2008


COLUMBUS, Ohio -- NBC 4's Tacoma Newsome reported on a stolen police cruiser that was crashed on the city's South Side Friday morning. Groveport Road was closed until right before 8 a.m. in response to the accident.

Newsome heard that the incident might have started around Parsons and Whittier avenues.

A Columbus police officer was investigating a two-car accident when the suspect, who was involved in the accident, hopped into CPD cruiser #123 and reportedly took off, Newsome said.

The chase to recover the cruiser moved to Thurman Avenue and Gilbert Street.

The cruiser and chase ended up in a ditch at Augmont Avenue and Groveport Road. The cruiser was crashed into a tree. Newsome got a look into the cruiser, which was torn to pieces.

The suspect was ejected from the vehicle and transported to Grant Medical Center, Newsome reported. Six CPD officers traveled with the handcuffed suspect to Grant, and three additional cruisers were waiting when the ambulance arrived at the hospital.

Police are on the scene and assessing the damage.

Initially there was some concern about the stolen cruiser because there's a police-issued shotgun in the truck of the cruiser, Newsome reported. Newsome can't confirm whether or not the shotgun remains in the trunk.

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