JACKSONVILLE — Multiple charges have been filed against a 17-year-old Jacksonville boy after he allegedly stole a police car and ran into a house.
Authorities say that at approximately 8:35 a.m., Wednesday, a larceny suspect who was in the rear of a patrol car crossed the partition into the front seat, kicked the vehicle into gear and struck the arresting officer, Matthew Summerlin, who was waiting for traffic to pass to enter the vehicle.
Thomas Robert Gibson, 17, of Welton Circle, was charged by Jacksonville Police Department with first-degree attempted murder, two counts of assault with a deadly weapon on a law enforcement officer, larceny of motor vehicle, larceny of firearm, resist, obstruct and delay, assault with a deadly weapon with intent to kill, inflicting serious bodily harm, two counts of felony hit and run, fleeing to elude, possession of stolen vehicle, injury to real property and felony larceny.
Gibson allegedly drove the patrol vehicle for a short distance before losing control of the vehicle and crashing into a residence at 1000 Pine Valley Road, Jacksonville. He then allegedly got out of the vehicle and attempted to flee on foot before being taken into custody by JPD.
An occupant of the Pine Valley Road residence was trapped under debris and injured in the crash. The occupant was transported to Onslow Memorial Hospital. Summerlin was also transported to Onslow Memorial Hospital.
Three young children were in the house, but were not injured.
A neighbor, Tom Cluen, said he was walking his dog when he saw the incident. He said there was significant damage to the home and it looked like the patrol car was totaled.
Bond was set at $345,000.
Police say the investigation is ongoing and no further information is available.