A warrant has been issued for an Austintown man after he failed to appear for a sentencing hearing scheduled for Monday morning.

According to court employees a capias warrant has been issued for 18-year-old Darnell Jones after he failed to appear for his sentencing hearing scheduled for 9:00 a.m. in Judge Cynthia Rice's court.

Jones was scheduled to be sentenced on one count of theft stemming from an incident from late March of 2023.

Back in March, Jones was captured by the Niles Police Department following a foot chase that ensued when officers saw him standing outside of a 2019 Kia Optima that was reported as stolen in Warren.

Police say a search of the vehicle revealed a firearm that police described as an "AK." Police say the rear window was broken to gain entry into the car before peeling back the steering column and using a USB plug to start the car.

Thefts just like this one are common across the country thanks to a viral TikTok video detailing how to start certain Korean-made vehicles like certain models of Kias or Hyundais.

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