Local

DeKalb Co. police: Car thief caught thanks to new checkpoint

DEKALB COUNTY, Ga. — DeKalb County police are crediting a newly-implemented safety checkpoint with capturing a car thief.

Police spokeswoman Mekka Parish said a driver tried to evade the checkpoint, which was put in place due to a rash of crimes recently.

An officer pursued the driver, but he bailed out of the minivan, causing it to crash in front  into a tree near the Checkers at the intersection of Moreland and McPherson avenues, Parish said.

The suspect was arrested across the street from the crash, police said.

Witness Darryl Burks told Channel 2's Ryan Young he saw how it unfolded.

"The van came behind me doing at least 70 mph and made the left turn on two wheels," Burks said.

Parish said the minivan was stolen and officers found a stolen weapon inside.

The man is also suspected in area burglaries and armed robberies, Parish said.