Columbia County Sheriff’s Office Deputies arrested a Lake City man for burglary to a Sheriff’s Office patrol vehicle.
Sgt John Stock of the Lake City Police Dept was off duty when he observed a man rummaging inside a patrol car parked at Sound Citation, located on S.R. 247 just south of Bascom Norris Drive at approximately 12:50 p.m.
Sgt Stock relayed the information to the Columbia County Sheriff’s Office. Responding Deputies learned that the subject was leaving the scene in a black and white Grand Marquis. Deputy Steven Khachigan and Sgt Tim Ball observed the vehicle and conducted a traffic stop at S.R. 247 and Bascom Norris Drive.
The suspect told the Deputies that he thought the vehicles were for sale although he had just purchased a car two days ago and was not in the market for another one. He also told Deputies that he knew Sound Citation was primarily a stereo and electronics shop and did not sell cars. Deputies David Milligan and Brian Rix also assisted in this investigation.
The patrol car that he was seen rummaging through was not outfitted with Sheriff’s Office graphics but did have a distinct law enforcement spotlight on the outside as well as a Sheriff’s license plate attached. The interior of the patrol car had a laptop stand and center console commonly found in law enforcement vehicles only.
Sound Citation is contracted by the Columbia County Sheriff’s Office for installation of electronic equipment and emergency lighting for new patrol vehicles.
Willie Lee Collins III, 4/29/1988, 866 N.W. Dyson Terrace, Lake City, FL was arrested for burglary to a vehicle and loitering and prowling. He was booked into the Columbia County Detention Facility without incident and given an initial bond of $6000.00.
