A Seymour man was being arrested in connection with thefts from vehicles but now is also being charged with hijacking a car to try to run from police.
According to the North Vernon Police Department, officers were called to a store parking lot after a man reportedly broke a vehicle window and stole a phone from inside. The crime was recorded on a security camera and officers were able to identify the man. At about 12:30 p.m. Friday , officers stopped a vehicle containing the suspect, 31-year-old Christopher Lawrence.
Lawrence allegedly tried to run into nearby woods but was subdued by police. The driver of the vehicle that Lawrence had been in, told police that Lawrence had pulled a knife on the driver and forced him to drive away from officers.
After his arrest, the stolen phone was allegedly recovered from Lawrence, along with items taken in other recent vehicle break-ins.
Lawrence is being held on charges including criminal confinement, resisting law enforcement by fleeing, theft, criminal mischief and possession of stolen property.