CLAYTON COUNTY, Georgia. – A car theft in Clayton County sparked a nationwide search for a two-month-old infant who was in the car at the time. A 17-year-old has since been arrested.
Johnathan Johnson was arrested after a chase near Mt. Zion Baptist Church in Jonesboro.
According to the Clayton County Sheriff’s Office, the teenager stole a silver Acura TL from the parking lot of the Southway Shopping Center on Highway 138 between N. Main Street and US 41 around 11:45 a.m. Friday. The theft sparked a manhunt with several area agencies participating in the active search.
About 45 minutes later, the car was spotted and Clayton County police attempted to stop the vehicle, but the driver sped away. Officers gave chase. Police say the driver eventually crashed near Mt. Zion Baptist Church in Jonesboro.
The driver ran into the woods but was arrested on the other side by Georgia State Patrol officers.
Shortly after Johnson was taken into custody, SKYFOX 5 flew over the crash site and filmed police searching the vehicle for evidence.
Police say the baby was not found in the crashed car; instead, he was found behind a dumpster in an apartment complex near Tara Boulevard and Sherwood Drive. The child is currently being examined by paramedics.
All three locations are within a 3 mile radius.
Johnson is being held in the Clayton County Jail. The charges against him have not yet been made public.
This story is developing. Check back later for more. If you have any additional information, pictures or videos, email [email protected].
