Stabbing suspect steals police cruiser after climbing into window
By Fletcher Keel
Click here for updates on this story
MIDDLETOWN, Ohio (WLWT) — A man has been taken into custody after stealing a Middletown police cruiser from a stabbing scene early Thursday morning.
Officials say it all started around 3:50 a.m. in the 4400 block of Bonita Dr. Officers arrived in reference to a stabbing.
Arriving units located a victim, who was transported to the Atrium Medical Center with over 30 stab wounds, officials say. Police say the victim was later transported to Miami Valley Hospital in critical condition.
Police say the suspect, identified as 24-year-old Jonathan Crabtree, fled the scene on foot. An MPD K9 unit attempted to track Crabtree but, in the process, he gained entry into a locked police cruiser through the window, stealing the vehicle.
MPD says an area-wide BOLO was issued for the vehicle. It was later located in Independence, Kentucky, where Crabtree was taken into custody without further incident.
Independence police confirmed Crabtree was taken into custody earlier Thursday, and said MPD detectives were coming to Independence to conduct interviews.
Independence officials say a resident of Rusconi Drive saw the stolen vehicle parked and contacted the Kenton County Communications Center to report the suspicious vehicle. Independence and Kenton County officers responded and surrounded the vehicle, leading to Crabtree being taken into custody.
Middletown police say charges and extradition are pending. Independence police say Crabtree has been charged with receiving stolen property over $10,000 and taken to the Kenton County Detention Center.
Anyone with information regarding the stabbing or theft of the police cruiser is asked to contact MPD at (513) 425-7736.
This story was provided to CNN Wire by an affiliate and does not contain original CNN reporting.
Please note: This content carries a strict local market embargo. If you share the same market as the contributor of this article, you may not use it on any platform.