Detective: Burglary suspect ran over homeowner’s leg with vehicle

Thomas Larry Childs was escaping the scene of a home burglary in September when he ran over the homeowner’s leg, according to testimony Thursday morning in Columbus Recorder’s Court.

Childs, 46, of Columbus pleaded not guilty to one count each of first-degree burglary and aggravated assault stemming from the incident that left a man with multiple injuries, including a bone contusion. He was ordered held in the Muscogee County Jail without bond due to his prior burglary convictions.

Judge Michael Cielinski bound the case over to Superior Court.

Columbus Police Detective Jack Wills said the homeowner was at his residence on Cherry Wood Drive around 2:15 p.m. Sept. 29 when he noticed someone removing a $600 backpack leaf blower from his garage. A $200 pole saw was also taken from the property, the victim noted in court.

When the victim confronted the man, a fight ensued, according to police.

“(The victim) was able to grab a hammer,” Wills told the court. “As the individual was driving off in a silver truck, (the homeowner) hit the driver’s side door of the truck.”

The detective said that’s when Childs, who was reportedly traveling in a silver 2007 Dodge Ram 1500, allegedly ran over the man’s leg.

The victim was rushed to the Midtown Medical Center in an ambulance where he was treated for a bone contusion on his left leg and other injuries to his arm and shoulder. He was later released.

On Oct. 10, the resident spotted the Dodge Ram 1500 and alerted authorities. An officer went to the scene, where he spoke to the owner of the vehicle.

The owner said Childs was driving that truck the day of the incident. After seeing his photo, the victim positively identified Child’s as the burglar who attacked him, Wills testified.

Childs was taken into custody Monday and transported to the Muscogee County Jail.

This story was originally published May 20, 2016 at 11:06 AM with the headline "Detective: Burglary suspect ran over homeowner’s leg with vehicle."