Unknown offender breaks into camper
On Jan. 5, an unknown offender was reported to have broken into a 2019 Laredo 325RL camper parked at Criswell Mini Storage. The owner of the camper stated the offender damaged the lock and the door frame on the camper and stole a $30 pair of binoculars. The offender left behind a black crowbar and mud inside of the camper from their shoes.
FLOCK cameras catch stolen tag
On Jan. 6, law enforcement received a FLOCK notification for a stolen tag on State Route 540 heading east. A Georgia State Patrol trooper located the vehicle displaying the tag traveling on Stembridge Road. The trooper initiated a traffic stop near Montpelier Church Road and the driver, William Lambert, reportedly told the trooper that someone must have swapped the tag at a gas station because the vehicle had a temporary tag previously.
Law enforcement, however, determined the tag had been displayed on the vehicle since Dec. 17 by searching the FLOCK camera database.
Lambert did not have his license in person and law enforcement determined that Lambert did not have a Georgia license and that his Arkansas license was suspended.
Lambert was also determined to have no license on his person. Lambert was placed under arrest and cited for driving while their license was suspended.
A warrant for theft by receiving stolen property was also secured against Lambert.
Man flees after being caught driving while on his phone
On Jan. 7, law enforcement observed a driver holding his cell phone while driving on North Jefferson Street near East Walton Street. A traffic stop was initiated and while the officer was informing dispatch of the traffic stop, the driver exited the vehicle and began fleeing on foot. As the male ran on foot, the officer was able to follow him in their patrol vehicle for several seconds.
The male ran towards Mitchell Street and jumped a fence at a local business then went back across North Jefferson Street and jumped another fence. The officer began chasing him on foot and was able to eventually take him into custody.
While waiting for the wrecker to arrive, law enforcement conducted an inventory search of the vehicle. Inside the vehicle, a driver's identification card identified the driver as Duntravian Jackson. His license was also suspended. Two open containers of alcoholic beverages were also in the vehicle.
Warrants for obstruction of law enforcement officers and unsafe operation of a telephone were secured against Jackson.
Women steal 45 candles worth $1,212
On Jan. 7, law enforcement was dispatched to Bath and Body Works, at 1962 N. Columbia St., about shoplifting. Two women stole 45 candles which totaled $1,212.75. Before police arrived, the females left the location and walked north in the parking lot. They were not seen getting into a vehicle.
According to the employee who reported the incident, the pair are part of a large group who steal from the location often.