Richmond County authorities have apprehended a teenager in connection with a brazen carjacking and the dramatic chase that left a sheriff’s investigator with critical injuries.
Omarion Rayshaun Steward, 19, was arrested for Thursday’s armed carjacking of a local victim and the subsequent injuries sustained in a high-speed pursuit just three hours later. Investigator Christopher Brown suffered severe injuries during a confrontation with the carjackers, who allegedly rammed the officer’s patrol car at a staggering 100 mph.
Steward was captured on Saturday and now faces serious charges, including carjacking, armed robbery, weapon possession, and aggravated assault on a police officer. Authorities are also searching for 24-year-old Jeremy Lamont Wright in connection with the case.
The sheriff’s office has yet to release detailed information about the crash and the deputy’s injuries, but a GoFundMe campaign initiated over the weekend has already raised over $10,000 for the injured officer. The campaign states that Investigator Brown’s injuries occurred while he was engaged in a vehicle pursuit on Gordon Highway, trying to apprehend three armed carjacking suspects.
“Prior to the collision, Chris’ patrol vehicle was rammed by the suspect vehicle. Following this, Investigator Brown’s 2016 Chevrolet Impala continued pursuit,” the GoFundMe page explains. “A marked patrol vehicle collided with Inv. Brown at speeds in excess of 100 miles per hour.”
The devastating wreck left Investigator Brown hospitalized with multiple injuries to his pelvis, arms, jaw, leg, and various other parts of his body. He will require numerous surgeries in the coming weeks and months to aid his recovery.
According to arrest warrants, the carjacking victim had arranged a meeting on Thursday morning with one of the suspects regarding his 2014 Toyota Camry. Steward approached the vehicle and got inside as another suspect brandished a gun and pointed it at the victim.
Terrified, the victim exited the car and fled, allowing the suspects to drive away in his Toyota. However, a Flock system camera quickly alerted officers to the stolen vehicle as it was recorded on Richmond Hill Road. The suspects eventually arrived at 1647 Gordon Highway, where officers attempted to box in the car. But the driver accelerated, crashing into the front passenger side of Investigator Brown’s Chevrolet.
In addition to his law enforcement duties, Investigator Brown is a combat Army veteran who served his country overseas in Afghanistan, where he also sustained injuries.
The post Teen Arrested in Augusta Carjacking Chase That Injured RCSO Deputy appeared first on AugustaCrime.com.