SPARKS, Nev. (KRNV & MyNews4.com) -- Around 11:40 this morning, Sparks Police attended to a theft reported at the K-Mart on Oddie Boulevard. The two male suspects, later identified as Christopher Lee Baumgartner and Anthony Karnes, were last seen leaving the area in a stolen Maroon 1997 Honda Accord bearing NV license 791UXT. This vehicle had been reported stolen from a Sparks residence several days earlier.
Officers located Baumgartner driving the vehicle in the area of Oddie Boulevard and Silverada with Karnes in the passenger seat. When officers attempted to pull the vehicle over, the Baumgartner failed to yield and fled. A chase ensued, but was soon discontinued due to the danger created by the reckless manner in which Baumgartner was driving. The suspect vehicle was last seen turning West on Garfield from Southbound El Rancho Drive. This turn, however, dead-ends onto Fanto Court and as officers pulled into the area the suspects were exiting the vehicle.
Sparks Police say both suspects ran West from the area jumping fences into the backyard of a house in the 2100 block of Platora in Reno. Officers pursued them on foot and they were quickly taken into custody.
Both suspects were initially transported to the hospital for claimed injuries. Karnes was soon released and is currently at the Sparks Police Department being interviewed. Baumgartner was still at the hospital at the time of this release. He had leg injuries that he sustained while jumping fences trying to get away.
The suspects are being charged with Possession of a Stolen Motor Vehicle, Possession of Burglary Tools, Felony Eluding, Possession of Controlled Substance, Local Warrants, Petty Larceny and numerous other misdemeanor charges.
