Palmetto man stole car, tried to run over owner before chase, police say

A Palmetto man is accused of stealing a car in Peachtree City and trying to run over the vehicle’s owner during his getaway, authorities said.

Eliseo Chavez Hernandez, 51, faces three felonies after the incident last Tuesday, according to county jail records. He was arrested on counts of aggravated assault, theft by taking and fleeing police.

The incident began just before 4 p.m. at the Fresh Market grocery store in the Peachtree Crossings Shopping Center, Peachtree City police Lt. Chris Hyatt told AJC.com. Hernandez is accused of getting inside an unlocked vehicle that also had the keys inside.

The car’s owner was exiting the store as this took place, and the owner tried to confront Hernandez, Hyatt said. Hernandez allegedly tried to run over the victim as he sped away from the scene.

Officers spotted the stolen car along Ga. 74, prompting a short chase, according to Hyatt. Police were able to box in the vehicle, leading to Hernandez being taken into custody.

In addition to the felony charges, he also faces a count of reckless conduct, according to jail records. As of Monday evening, he remained in custody on a $31,600 bond.