2nd Suspect In Home Burglary Sought

GENOA TOWNSHIP, Ohio—One man is in custody after a burglary led to a manhunt near Alum Creek Beach Wednesday.

The burglary occurred shortly before noon at 4065 South Old 3 C Highway in Genoa Township when, according to authorities, the homeowner interrupted two men stealing from his garage. 

The victim called 911 with a description of the getaway vehicle.  Minutes later, a Delaware County sheriff’s deputy spotted the suspect’s pick-up truck on Lewis Center Road. 

“The Delaware County deputy pulled behind the suspect’s vehicle and attempted a traffic stop.  Upon seeing the cruiser, both the driver and the passenger bailed out of the moving vehicle and fled on foot into the woods,“ said Sheriff Walter L. Davis III.

Columbus police responded with a police helicopter and Genoa Township police assisted the Delaware County Sheriff’s Office in the search for the two suspects. 

A sheriff’s office K-9 was able to track 18-year-old Stephen Watson and an arrest was made.

Investigators are now searching for a second man, identified as Christopher Vierra. 

“This was a difficult search because the two suspects immediately split up, leading us in multiple directions.  Also the woods provide some cover for a person on the run.  We are pleased we were able to catch one suspect so quickly.  We will not stop investigating until we find the other man,“ Davis said.

Several schools went into a level-1 lockdown during the police pursuit and search for the suspect.

The schools affected were Olentangy Orange middle and high schools, Alum Creek Elementary, Oak Creek Elementary, Freedom Trail Elementary and Glenn Oak Elementary.

Davis warned all residents to keep their doors locked even when they are home.  Also keep exterior lights on and all vehicles locked. 

Anyone with information as to the whereabouts of Christopher Vierra is asked to call the Delaware County sheriff’s office at 740-833-2800.

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