Two Teen Suspects Arrested After Benning Hills Break-In Incident
On Saturday, June 29, 2024, at 12:01 a.m., Columbus Police officers were dispatched to a residence in the Benning Hills area regarding two males breaking into vehicles. The homeowner confronted the suspects, and one suspect advanced towards the homeowner. The homeowner then shot the suspect. Both suspects fled the scene in a vehicle and went to a nearby gas station.
At 12:03 a.m., officers were dispatched to the Circle K on Victory Drive and N. Lumpkin Road regarding a male, later identified as Deonte Smith, 18, who entered the store with a gunshot wound. Officers quickly responded, and Smith was taken to a local hospital where he was listed in stable condition.
The second suspect, Alex Lopez, 17, was taken into custody with a stolen firearm in his possession. Inside the suspects’ vehicle, officers found another pistol and over 40 grams of marijuana.
Lopez faces multiple charges, including:
- Entering Auto
- Receiving Stolen Property (Firearm)
- Possession of a Firearm During Commission of a Crime
- Possession of Marijuana with Intent to Distribute
- Possession of Drug-Related Objects
- Loitering
- Credit Card Theft
Arrest warrants were obtained for Smith. He will be transported to the Muscogee County Jail upon his release from the hospital.
