Three suspects caught entering cars near Maple Ridge

Police charged three men early Thursday after they were found loitering and prowling near Springwood Court and nearby Cedar Ridge Court.

Christian Lynn Martin, 18, Jalin Wheeler, 20, and Julius Sotomayor, 17, were taken into custody sometime between 1:35 a.m. and 2:05 a.m. Each is charged with one count each of loitering and prowling, misdemeanor marijuana possession and three counts each of entering an auto. Sotomayor and Martin were held in the Muscogee County Jail for an 8 a.m. Friday hearing in Columbus Recorder’s Court while Wheeler was freed on bond.

In a report, police said Wheeler and the other suspects were seen by residents breaking into cars but ran into a yard on Springwood Court after they were spotted. Wheeler and Sotomayor were caught on Springwood Court. The area is near the Maple Ridge Golf Course.

Martin was nearby when he ran into a wooded area in the 4000 block of Cedar Ridge Court. Police said he used a green shirt to cover his face.

A small amount of marijuana was found on each suspect. Martin also had an outstanding warrant for theft by taking.

This story was originally published August 11, 2016 at 6:45 PM with the headline "Three suspects caught entering cars near Maple Ridge."