The morning of Sept. 23, the driver of a vehicle stolen from Grove City struck a Dublin Police cruiser at the Britton Woods Apartments in an attempt to flee. The driver and two other individuals exited the vehicle and tried to get away. Dublin, Columbus and Hilliard police safely apprehended the three people who fled from the vehicle. The suspects’ names are not being released until the investigation is complete and all charges are filed.
The vehicle was recovered, along with four firearms. Working with local police, the owner of the stolen truck shared the GPS tracking device information to help officers locate the vehicle. Police officers from multiple jurisdictions were able return the stolen vehicle to the owner within hours.
Deputy Chief of Police Greg Lattanzi shares that adding a GPS tracking device in a hidden place in your vehicle can be an inexpensive safeguard that, when paired with proper police intervention, can lead to recuperation of property.
“If you choose to put a GPS device in your vehicle, remember that your local police are there to help track it should it be taken,” he said. “We don’t encourage tracking it yourself, so please call 911, and the police department can work to safety locate and return it to you.”
While police continue to investigate the Sept. 23 incident, Lattanzi notes how it showcases the robust public safety partnerships in the Central Ohio area, including connections with the regional 911 center NRECC and with the Grove City, Hilliard and Columbus police departments.
“We are grateful for the community members and law enforcement partners who assisted us in locating the individuals responsible for this crime,” he said. “The collaboration among local law enforcement agencies and members of the public led to safely apprehending those responsible and recovering several firearms. This incident is a great example of citizens and the police working together to keep the community safe.”
As this incident involved recovered weapons, Lattanzi reminds residents to return any firearms discovered within the community to the police.
Theft Prevention Tips
The Dublin Police Department credits much of the reduction in thefts to crime prevention efforts by Dublin residents. Here are ways the community can assist:
- Use a GPS tracking device
- Hide it inside your vehicle
- Don’t track a stolen vehicle alone; share the GPS information with the police
- Lock your vehicle
- Take valuables with you; if you can’t, hide them in a secure area like the trunk
- Remember your keys or fob when you leave the vehicle
- Call police immediately if you witness a crime or something suspicious
- If you find a firearm in the community, report it to the police immediately
Public Safety in Dublin
The Dublin Police Department is dedicated to protection, service and public safety in partnership with the community. Learn more at YourDublinPolice.org.
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Media Contact:
Rebecca Myers
Public Information Officer
614.381.5225 – Cell
rrmyers@dublin.oh.us
Newsroom: https://dublinohiousa.gov/newsroom/
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