Carjacker, 17, being charged as adult

COLUMBIA CITY, Ind. (WANE) - A 17-year-old boy who shot a driver in the chest while attempting to carjack him is being charged as an adult, according to our partners at KPC News .

Dakota Kimbler, of Rome City, appeared in Whitley County Circuit Court for a pre-trial conference Monday.

Police arrested Kimbler on December 9 after he allegedly escaped from Pierceton Woods, a juvenile detention facility, the day before.

After escaping from the detention center, Kimbler hid in the backseat of Johnny Crouch's car and then jumped out and surprised him at the intersection of Old Trail Road and State Road 5 in Whitley County.

According to police, Kimbler shot Crouch in the chest with a small caliber gun. Although Crouch was hurt, police said he was able to gain control of the gun from the suspect. Crouch held the suspect at gunpoint until police arrived.

Kimbler allegedly stole the gun from another vehicle. He was charged with attempted murder, attempted carjacking, possession of stolen property, and possession of a handgun without a license.

Kimbler will return to court for pretrial proceedings on February 11.