🌱 3 Men Arrested For Peachtree Mall Chase + 'Belts & Jackets' Safety

Hi Columbus! Like many of you, the Patch staff is taking some time off for Memorial Day, so you won’t see this newsletter in your inbox for a few days. We’ll be back soon, but in the meantime, here’s what’s happening in and around town this weekend.

But first, your weekend weather:

• Saturday: Partly sunny and pleasant. High: 78 Low: 49.
• Sunday: Cloudy with a passing shower. High: 77 Low: 56.
• Monday: Partly sunny and nice. High: 84 Low: 58.

Here are the top three stories in Columbus today:

1. On Friday, May 26, police arrested three men in connection to a highspeed chase that ended at the Peachtree Mall in Columbus on May 25. The driver, Antwan Lee, and his two companions Jamir Frazier and Kendrick Thomas were charged with multiple felonies including felony possession of a firearm during a crime and four counts of participation in criminal gang activity. (WRBL)
2. On Thursday, May 25, the annual “Belts & Jackets” Safety message was delivered by the Governor’s Office of Highway Safety, Georgia State Patrol, and Georgia Department of Natural Resources at Lake Oliver in Columbus. According to preliminary crash data, the number of people killed in Georgia traffic crashes during the Memorial Day Weekend has doubled over a five-year period. Wearing seat belts is extremely important," specifically during Memorial Day weekend," according to Deputy Regional Administrator for the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Region Alex Cabral. The message included warning the community to wear life jackets while on or swimming in water. Georgia's “Click It or Ticket” seat belt awareness campaign is ongoing and will end Jun. 4. (WRBL)
3. The Liberty Theatre & Cultural Arts Center will host an outdoor block party to honor the legacy of Ma Rainey, known as “The Mother of Blues,” in Columbus on Jun. 18. The event will kick off the center's renovations project and feature live performances, food trucks, and photo opportunities. All ages are welcome to celebrate from 7:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m. (WTVM 9)

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This weekend in Columbus:

Saturday, May 27

• It's A 90's Kickback And Cookout At Cooper Creek Park (2:00 PM)
• Slimy Saturdays At North Columbus Public Library (3:00 PM)

Sunday, May 28

• R&B And Reading: Adult Game Edition At 6125 Macon Road (8:00 PM)

Monday, May 29

• Art in the Park At 305 17th Street (10:00 AM)
• Memorial Day Tribute And Paver Dedication At the National Infantry Museum (11:00 AM)

From my notebook:

• The Columbus Police Department is investigating a robbery on Buena Vista Road that resulted in a truck crashing into the Shell Gas Station. As the suspect attempted to rob the victim, the victim's white Chevrolet truck crashed through the gas station glass and stopped halfway through the building wall. View the link to see a picture of the accident. According to authorities, the victim is ok but there has been no report about the suspect. (WTVM 9)
• The Columbus Police Department and Muscogee County Sheriff's Office are looking for competitors to play against in beach volleyball at the Georgia Police and Fire Games! The Columbus Police and Fire departments have offered to give their competitors a five-point head start. (Columbus Fire & EMS via Facebook)
• Thing 1 and Thing 2, two adorable baby Domestic Short Hair kittens, are looking for their forever homes! See Thing 1, Thing 2, and more adoptable pets in the Columbus area at the link. (Columbus Patch)

You're all caught up for today! I'll see you back in your inbox next week with another update.

— Rose Mendez

About me: Rose Mendez is a freelance writer. She is studying English Literature at Hunter College. She loves reading, walking around the city, and coffee!