Fugitive from Virginia caught in Clayton County

A man who allegedly stole a car and fled Virginia was captured Friday in Clayton County, the sheriff’s office said.

Luis Melendez is wanted out of Newport, Virginia, on felony weapons and drug charges, Clayton County sheriff’s officials said in a news release. Deputies believe he drove a stolen car to Union City and was spotted by the Lovejoy Police Department on Thursday.

A chase ensued down Tara Boulevard until Melendez allegedly approached the intersection of Tara and Daly Memorial boulevards and swerved into the turn lane. Officials said he intentionally struck a marked Clayton County sheriff’s patrol car, putting it out of service. Melendez then ran away from the crash, leaving narcotics in the car, the release states.

Sheriff Victor Hill worked with Lovejoy police Chief Wayne Woods to coordinate the manhunt for Melendez.

In less than 24 hours, officials linked Melendez to thecrime and found him among friends in Union City, the sheriff’s office said.

Melendez was pulled out of a closet, where he was hiding, and arrested.

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