Pursuit suspect runs into Warren day care, caught in classroom (bodycam)

WARREN, Ohio (WOIO) - Officers in Warren chased a 39-year-old man wanted for felonious assault through a day care facility last week, which was all caught on officer-worn body camera.

The chase happened at 3:04 p.m. on Nov. 2, according to a department Facebook post.

Officers attempted to stop a car driven by the suspect for a felony warrant when he fled the scene, according to the incident report. The suspect crashed and began to run on foot.

The suspect, later identified as Lamar Mitchell, ran into the Precious Times Child Care Center, located at 657 North Park Ave. NW in Warren, according to the incident report.

Officials said the Miller forced his way into the daycare after an employee attempted to close the door.

An officer tried to tase the suspect during the chase but missed.

Officers arrested Mitchell after he ran into a classroom with several children inside.

19 News spoke with a mother whose 1-year-old son and 3-year-old daughter were inside.

“I was at work and I just dropped everything and raced to the daycare,” the mother said. “I wish they never had to experience that.”

The mother said her son was in the room when the suspect came barreling in.

”They said he was bumped over and the daycare worker grabbed him and took him to safety and then after he jumped in they grabbed that other kid,” she said.

She believes her daughter is suffering from PTSD after the incident.

“We had a fire truck come down the road the other day and she was sitting out here on the porch with me covered up in her blanket and started shaking and screaming that she needed to hide because the cops were gonna get her,” the mom recalled. “Like she’s just terrified of them now. I’ve been trying to explain to her that there’s nothing to be scared of and that they’re here to protect her.”

The mother said her children still go to the daycare and she believes they handled the situation the best they possibly could.

19 News learned Mitchell has an extensive criminal record dating back to 2001.

Mitchell was convicted and sentenced to three years in prison for aggravated robbery when he was 17.

He also has several other charges over the years including more robbery charges, assault, arson, domestic violence, and discharging a gun at a school.

Mitchell is currently behind bars and facing a long list of charges.

This is a developing story. Return to 19 News for updates.

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