Clayton police arrest alleged burglar accused of running over officer
Clayton County police on Wednesday arrested a fugitive accused of running his car over a veteran officer following a botched burglary.
Thomas Areeco Paige, 36, was captured in Duluth, one week after the pick-up truck he allegedly was driving hit Officer Michael Hooks, who had responded to a robbery in progress in the parking lot at the former Kmart distribution center on Old Dixie Highway.
Clayton police spokesman K.T. Hughes said another unidentified man was arrested Wednesday for hiding Paige in his Gwinnett County apartment.
Hooks, an 11-year veteran of the department, sustained a serious head injury but is expected to recover.
Paige, of Hampton, was charged with aggravated assault, aggravated battery, obstruction of an officer, hit and run, reckless driving and loitering.
Police apprehended Paige’s alleged accomplice in last week’s robbery after their truck crashed into a ditch. A massive manhunt ensued and Paige’s trail remained cold until Wednesday.
The suspect has an extensive criminal record and was incarcerated on four separate occasions since 2001 following convictions in Fulton and Cobb counties, according to the Georgia Department of Corrections. He was transferred to the Clayton jail late Wednesday.
About the Author
A native Atlantan, Boone joined the AJC staff in 2007. He quickly carved out a niche covering crime stories, assuming the public safety beat in 2014. He's covered some of the biggest trials this decade, from Hemy Neuman to Ross Harris to Chip Olsen, the latter of which was featured on Season 7 of the AJC's award-winning "Breakdown" podcast.
