Midnight Confrontation in Benning Hills: Homeowner Shoots Suspect During Vehicle Break-In, Leads to Arrests
A midnight confrontation in the Benning Hills neighborhood has left an entering auto suspect shot.
The confrontation was called into Columbus police on Saturday, June 29, 2024 at 12:01 a.m., as two males were breaking into vehicles in the Benning Hills neighborhood.
“The homeowner confronted the suspects. One of the suspects advanced towards the homeowner,” police said. “The homeowner subsequently shot the suspect. Both suspects fled the scene in a vehicle and went to a nearby gas station.”
Two minutes later after the 911 call, officers were dispatched to the Circle K on Victory Drive and N. Lumpkin Road regarding a male, now identified as 18-year-old Deonte Smith, who entered store with a gunshot wound. Officers quickly responded to the scene and Smith was taken to a local hospital and listed in stable condition.
The second entering auto suspect, 17-year-old Alex Lopez was taken into custody with a stolen firearm in his possession. “Inside the suspects’ vehicle, officers found another pistol and more than 40 grams of marijuana,” police added..
Lopez is charged with Entering Auto, Receiving Stolen Property (Firearm), Possession of a Firearm During Commission of a Crime, Possession of Marijuana with Intent to Distribute, Possession of Drug-Related Objects, Loitering, and Credit Card Theft.
Arrest warrants were obtained for Smith. He will be transported to the Muscogee County Jail upon being released from the hospital.
Related stories
CrimeOPD: Police investigating shooting in Opelika; road closed
TrafficVehicle fire on I-185 North in Columbus
Crime & SafetyStolen USPS van recovered in Coweta County; suspect arrested after BOLO from Columbus
LocalColumbus Public Works to host hazardous household waste recycling event Saturday
Crime & SafetyPedestrian struck, killed by vehicle on Veterans Pkwy. in Columbus