On 04/10/2020, Whitehall Police attempted to pull over Cortez Townsend who was the subject of a drug investigation and had multiple warrants out for his arrest. While attempting the traffic stop, Townsend refused to pull over and fled from police. Due to the danger to the public at that time, police decided not to pursue the fleeing vehicle.
An investigation ensued and police learned Townsend was involved in stealing and forging credit cards. On 04/21/20, Whitehall Police detectives caught up with Townsend in a parking lot at the corner of Noe Bixby Rd and Refugee Rd. Townsend was arrested without incident. The investigation led detectives to his residence at 235 Summerfern Lane in Columbus. They served a search warrant at his residence and discovered a credit card skimmer, used to steal victim’s credit card numbers, a loaded firearm, and several forged credit cards. He now faces approximately 80 theft and forgery related felony charges in conjunction with the credit card skimming operation. In addition, he had active arrest warrants for assault, fleeing, and traffic related charges.
“This is a good reminder that even during this pandemic there are those out there trying to take advantage of others,” stated Detective Lieutenant Chad Wilder, “Make sure you keep a close eye on your financial accounts and report suspicious activity right away to credit card companies and police.” The investigation is ongoing.