Franklin Township will now be responsible for the repair of two of their own police cruisers after they were damaged in a pursuit. 

In the early afternoon of Dec. 22, the Franklin Township Police Department and the Columbus Division of Police responded to a dispatch regarding a stolen vehicle.

When word reached officers that the stolen vehicle was traveling towards the vicinity of Frank and Clime roads and Harrisburg Pike, they were in soon place to stop and apprehend the perpetrator. 

Officers were able to block in the suspect, but before he gave up, he rammed the stolen vehicle into two Franklin Township police cruisers, causing thousands of dollars in damage. 

“We estimate there was over $2,400 worth of damage done to one vehicle, and the push bar, which costs around $150, has to be replaced on the other cruiser,” said Franklin Township police Chief Mike Castle. 

Castle said the suspect does not have insurance.  

He added that the owners of the stolen vehicle could not be held responsible after trustee Don Cook inquired as to whether or not they or their insurance providers could pay for the damage. 

Also at the meeting, Castle reported that damage was done to another cruiser when a female suspect tried to kick out the back door frame earlier in the week.  

He said she would be responsible for the cost of those repairs.