Show above is a box truck whose driver led local authorities on a short pursuit Thursday afternoon down Industrial Parkway. The driver, Ricky D. Lovins, 40, and passenger Derek V. Grimm, 30, both of Columbus were arrested and will be prosecuted in Columbus.
(Photo submitted)
––––
Two men are in jail after they led local authorities on a chase that ended near New California Thursday afternoon.
According to Deputy Police Chief Tony Brooks, authorities received a report of a stolen 2015 Ford E 350 box truck in the in the parking lot of Wal-Mart with occupants that had warrants out of Franklin County.
The occupants were driver Ricky D. Lovins, 40, and Derek V. Grimm, 30, both of Columbus. According to the Franklin County Municipal Court website, Lovins has an open warrant for breaking and entering.
Union County Sheriff Jamie Patton was unable to say exactly when the truck was stolen, only that it was, “within the last couple days.”
Brooks said Marysville Police officers tried stopping the truck in the area of Wal-Mart at about 5:30 p.m. The truck led officers on a chase to Industrial Parkway south to U.S. 42. Once the chase left city limits, it was taken over by Union County deputies with Marysville Police following behind.
Patton said authorities attempted to use spike mats during the chase, but were unsuccessful.
The chase went into the New California subdivision, went back on U.S. 42 and ended at the intersection of U.S. 42 and Industrial Parkway at about 5:50 p.m.
The pair was arrested, and Grimm was cited for giving a false name. Both men will be prosecuted in Franklin County for the theft of the truck. Lovins will be prosecuted in Union County for receiving stolen property and failing to stop for an officer.
Another passenger, a 29-year-old female, was released without charges.