The man accused of stealing a car with a 2-year-old inside and leading police on a 104 mile per hour chase has been identified by police as 27-year-old John Michael Alba of Waverly. Alba was also the suspect in the theft of the tip jar from the Dunkin Donuts at Exit 29. Yesterday afternoon, Glynn County Police posted photos from surveillance footage of a man stealing the Dunkin tip jar with a request for the public to aid in locating him. The post circulated on social media with a number of people suggesting they knew the man’s location. A few hours later, Alba allegedly led police on the 2-county chase in a stolen car.
The car was stolen from the Friendly Express, also in the Exit 29 area. It had been left running while the mother of the 2-year-old went into the store. Alba allegedly crashed the car into a ditch, while attempting to turn from Highway 17 onto Buckswamp Road. He exited the vehicle and struggled with officers before being tased. After the chase, the child was examined by EMTs and was uninjured.
Alba is currently in the Glynn County Jail, charged with Felony Theft by Taking and Kidnapping. He is also expected to be charged in the theft of the tip jar. No charges are expected against the mother of the child.