OLDHAM COUNTY, Ky. — A suspected car thief got more than he bargained for when a father of three placed him in a headlock after he allegedly attempted to steal his vehicle, according to Oldham County Police.
Jarmaine Thornton, 35, faces various charges including attempted kidnapping and robbery.
Oldham County Police said they responded to the area of La Grange Road and the I-71 North off-ramp just after noon on Saturday following reports of a collision.
An officer said when he approached the scene, he noticed Thornton stealing another vehicle.
A witness at the scene told police he was traveling west on La Grange Road when the vehicle Thornton was driving ran a red light. The witness’ vehicle hit the driver’s side left rear and that’s when the witness said he approached Thornton to make sure he was okay.
Thornton said someone was after him and then tried to take the witness’ vehicle with three children inside. The witness told police he had Thornton in “kind of a headlock” to keep him from getting inside and told Thornton “my kids are in there.”
Another witness arrived at the scene and tried to intervene, but Thornton ran away.
That witness said they stepped in to help because they would want someone to help them if they were in that situation.
Shortly after, police said Thornton ran to a nearby parking lot and stole a truck. The owner of the truck, who was mowing at the time, noticed his vehicle backing away. He told police he attempted to grab the handle of the vehicle but was unsuccessful.
It didn't take long for police to spot Thornton. They noticed him on La Grange Road with the stolen vehicle and tried to stop him. Police said he refused to stop and led them on a chase through Oldham and Henry County.
Newly released dashcam footage from Oldham County Sheriff's office shows an officer trying to stop Thornton with his vehicle.
While the officer was able to deflate one of Thornton's tires, Thornton was still able to drive away. Thornton continued driving in Smithfield and was seen driving in yards and driveways recklessly.
Police eventually apprehended Thornton and he was taken into custody.
In addition to the list of charges Thornton faces, Kentucky State Police also said he would be charged in Henry County.
He's currently booked at the Oldham County Detention Center.
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