Security guard injured in theft

Jennifer L Bunting; photo courtesy of Columbus Police Dept.

Columbus Police arrested two people on theft and drug charges Wednesday afternoon. At approximately 1:25 p.m., officers were dispatched to Target in the 1800 block of North National Road. The store security guard advised officers that he was battered while attempting to stop a woman, later identified as Jennifer L. Bunting, 27, of Columbus, who was suspected of stealing merchandise from the store.

CPD officers located the suspect’s vehicle on Middle Road and stopped it a short time later. Bunting, who was a passenger in the vehicle, was taken into custody. Officers reportedly found stolen merchandise in her possession and also inside the vehicle that was driven by Damon L. Bailey, 20, of Columbus. In addition, the officers reported finding two syringes as well as drug paraphernalia inside the car.

Damon L Bailey; photo courtesy of Columbus Police Dept.

Bunting’s infant child, who was also in the vehicle, was cared for by Child Protective Services who responded to assist the officers.

Bailey and Bunting were both arrested on preliminary charges of Theft, Possession of a Syringe and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia. Bunting is also facing a charge of Battery.