Westside community group says cameras captured clues before deadly Hilltop crash

COLUMBUS, Ohio (WSYX) — A west Columbus community group alerting neighborhoods about crime and violence says member cameras captured two vehicles on video moments before they were involved in a deadly accident in the Hilltop.

It's a sad tragedy," said the founder of SecUrban Living, an organization that works with police and neighborhoods to catch suspected criminals and stop crime.

The creator of the group asked not to be identified for safety reasons, as he talked about a fiery crash on Tuesday afternoon at the intersection of West Mound Street and South Highland Avenue.

That crash was between a Lincoln SUV and a Hyundai Sonata, claiming the life of 14-year-old Haleigh Abshire.

ALSO | Police look for young suspects following crash that killed teen

Well, it's devastating. It implores us to do better," he said.

SecUrban Living says a member's home security camera captured the Lincoln in the parking lot of West High School shortly before 12:30 p.m. on Tuesday. The video shows several people hanging out of the sunroof and window.

At one point, two people jump out of the car and off camera. Moments later, you see a stolen Hyundai, with someone hanging out of the window, speeding out of the lot.

We not only contacted West High School, we also contacted Columbus Police simultaneously. We got alerts there was a very bad crash," said SecUrban Living's founder.

Columbus City Schools confirms a Hyundai was stolen out of the parking lot at that time.

SecUrban Living is now waiting to hear from Columbus police on whether the silver Lincoln was also stolen and if the two vehicles captured on video were involved in the deadly crash.

ABC 6 has reached out to Columbus police several times since Tuesday by email, voicemail, and by phone to learn that same information. We have yet to hear back from CPD.

ALSO | Two police officers hospitalized after crash in south Columbus

For years SecUrban Living has been tracking crime on the westside, and other parts of Columbus with it's network of neighborhood network of security cameras. Organizers say, within the past 45 days, they've noticed an uptick in juveniles carrying guns, breaking into cars and business and driving dangerously.

They drive erratically at all hours of the day despite law enforcement in the area," said the group's founder.

Group members stress the importance of using a steering wheel lock, saying when suspected thieves are caught on camera, they walk away when there is a security tool placed around the steering wheel.

The neighborhood group says it's efforts are starting to pay off. After members last month posted a series of photos of juveniles committing crimes, Columbus City School administrators recognized the juveniles on social media and took action.

We haven't seen an occurrence yet," said SecUrban Living's founder. "We want to stop these unfortunate incidents."

SecUrban Living members say they can't do it alone -- they need the cooperation of neighbors, schools, and police working together, especially with summer right around the corner.

We want to work and press forward and save these young kid's lives," said the founder.