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Man accused of hitting hydrant in stolen SUV faces more charges
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A Ludowici man who destroyed a fire hydrant two weeks ago while trying to elude police officers has been charged with two more counts of car theft.
According to Ludowici Police Department Investigator Sal Genualdi, Clarence Peter Thompson, 18, was charged last week with stealing a 2002 Ford pickup and a 2008 Buick Lucerne CXS, both of which were reported stolen by Ludowici residents.  
Thompson, who had been charged with stealing an SUV on Nov. 14, was linked to the theft of the Buick after his uncle, Gilbert Thompson, brought keys to the vehicle to the LPD. Genualdi said Clarence Thompson was linked to the theft of the Ford truck after keys to the stolen vehicle were found at his Ludowici residence.
Genualdi said Thompson also was charged with one of the break-ins that occurred in the city last month. The investigator said a laptop and a digital camera that were stolen from Faith Baptist Church in Ludowici were found at his home.
“We found the missing items from the church at his residence along with several cell phones,” the investigator said. “We also believe that he may be linked to some of the other burglaries that have taken place in the area.”
Genualdi said Thompson was already on probation in Glynn County for motor vehicle theft and burglary.
Thompson, who was arrested on Nov. 14 for stealing the SUV, attempted to flee in the vehicle, but jumped from the moving SUV and fled on foot. The vehicle struck a fire hydrant and left Ludowici residents with out water for approximately six hours.
Genualdi said Thompson has been charged with three counts of theft by taking of a motor vehicle, criminal damage to property in the second degree, reckless driving, hit and run, interference with government property, obstruction of a law enforcement officer, theft by receiving, driving while unlicensed, and fleeing and attempting to elude.
Thompson is in the Brantley County Jail.
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