Suspect picks cop’s car to break into at hospital

A Hampton man was arrested Oct. 19 on entering auto and other charges after an off-duty Atlanta police officer found him inside the officer’s private vehicle as he exited Piedmont Fayette Hospital.

Darius Jackson, 22, was charged with entering auto, possession of burglary tools and obstruction in the Oct. 19 incident, according to Det. Mike Whitlow.

Whitlow said the incident occurred as an off-duty Atlanta police officer and his wife left Piedmont Fayette Hospital and approached their personal vehicle. As the couple got closer to the vehicle the officer saw Jackson sitting inside.

The officer produced his badge and gun and identified himself as a police officer while his wife called 911, Whitlow said.

At that point Jackson exited the car and fled on foot. A Fayetteville police officer across the street at the Togwatee Village retail area and responded, locating Jackson on the hospital grounds and taking him into custody, Whitlow said.