Columbus Police: Five suspects arrested after 72 vehicles targeted in month-long crime investigation
The Columbus Police Department has announced the arrest of five suspects in connection with a series of entering auto and stolen vehicle investigations that impacted dozens of victims across Columbus over the past month.
The investigations, led by the department’s Property Crimes Unit, resulted in six cases being cleared, five arrests, 72 vehicles affected, and a total of 190 criminal charges filed.
Those arrested include:
A 15-year-old juvenile charged with Theft by Taking (Motor Vehicle).
A 16-year-old juvenile charged with Theft by Taking (Motor Vehicle), Possession of a Pistol by a Person Under 18, and Theft by Receiving Stolen Property (Felony).
Takarius Lovejoy, 17, charged with:
34 counts of Entering Auto
11 counts of Criminal Damage to Property
10 counts of Criminal Trespass
Theft by Taking (Felony)
Six counts of Theft by Taking (Misdemeanor)
A 14-year-old juvenile charged with:
34 counts of Entering Auto
11 counts of Criminal Damage to Property
10 counts of Criminal Trespass
Theft by Taking (Felony)
Six counts of Theft by Taking (Misdemeanor)
A 15-year-old juvenile charged with:
34 counts of Entering Auto
11 counts of Criminal Damage to Property
10 counts of Criminal Trespass
Theft by Taking (Felony)
Six counts of Theft by Taking (Misdemeanor)
According to Columbus police, the arrests stem from a coordinated investigation into multiple reports of vehicles being entered and stolen throughout the city during the past month.
The Columbus Police Department credited the successful investigation to the collaborative efforts of the Property Crimes Unit, Special Operations Unit, and Strategic Anti-Violence (SAS) Unit. The department also thanked the Muscogee County Juvenile Court for its continued support throughout the investigations.
Authorities have not released additional details regarding the individual incidents or whether more arrests are expected.
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