An Ohio man has been charged with two felonies and five misdemeanors after he allegedly caused damage to four units at CRT Mini Storage in Marion, stole an RV from the self-storage facility and went on a driving rampage. Christopher Lines, 39, was charged with two counts of felonious assault, breaking and entering, theft of a motor vehicle, vandalism and driving under the influence. He is being held on a $150,000 bond.
CRT owner Jason Kirkman estimated damage at the self-storage facility to be around $4,000. Lines allegedly cut through the propertys fence in two places before breaking into four storage units and setting fire to one of them. Kirkman believes the suspect also tried to break into another vehicle stored on the property before driving off in a 1994 Conquest Gulfstream Limited Edition.
Kirkmans business partner, Adam Wolfe, lives across the street from the facility and heard noises on the property that night. He called the sheriff after watching the RV leave through the electronic gate.
Lines then allegedly drove the RV into Marion Prescription Shoppe about three miles away. The suspect hit two police cars while backing out of the store and led officers on a short chase until he hit a nearby house.
No injuries were reported, although Lines mug shot shows lacerations and swelling to his face. Investigators suspect he was under the influence of alcohol and drugs at the time of his arrest.
Four police cars were damaged during the incident, with an estimated repair cost of about $4,300. Investigators are still gathering information regarding damage to the pharmacy and stolen RV.
A preliminary hearing has been scheduled for Sept. 19.
On the same day as the incident at CRT Mini Storage, Kirkman said his home in Big Island Township, Ohio, was also burglarized, with thieves taking electronics and jewelry. The Marion County Sheriffs Office located some of the stolen goods, but Kirkman said he would have to buy the items back from the businesses that had purchased them.
Sources:
- Marion Star: Damages Add Up in RV Rampage
- Marion Star: Crime Scene Covered Four Blocks
