1. Homeowner Shoots Intruder During Car Break-In, Results in Arrests
2. Resident Fires at Suspect During Auto Theft, Leads to Police Action.
Accident – Death – Obituary News : A late-night altercation in the Benning Hills area resulted in a burglary suspect being shot during an attempted break-in of vehicles. The incident was reported to the Columbus police in the early hours of Saturday, June 29, 2024, at precisely 12:01 a.m., when two individuals were caught in the act of breaking into cars in the Benning Hills neighbourhood.
According to police reports, the homeowner confronted the suspects, leading to a tense confrontation. One of the suspects reportedly made a threatening move towards the homeowner, prompting the homeowner to fire a shot in self-defence. Subsequently, both suspects fled the scene in a vehicle and sought refuge at a nearby gas station.
Within two minutes of the emergency call, law enforcement officers were dispatched to the Circle K on Victory Drive and N. Lumpkin Road after receiving reports of a male, later identified as 18-year-old Deonte Smith, entering the store with a gunshot wound. Swift action by the officers led to Smith being swiftly transported to a local hospital, where he was listed in stable condition.
The second suspect involved in the entering auto incident, 17-year-old Alex Lopez, was apprehended with a stolen firearm in his possession. Upon searching the suspects’ vehicle, officers also discovered another pistol along with over 40 grams of marijuana, indicating possible drug-related activities.
Lopez now faces a string of charges including 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 have been issued for Smith, who will be transferred to the Muscogee County Jail once released from medical care. The swift response of law enforcement officers in this incident highlights the importance of vigilant community members and the dedication of law enforcement in maintaining safety and security in the neighbourhood..
Homeowner Shoots Suspect
Vehicle Break-In Arrests.
