The Columbia County Sheriff’s Office has made several arrests stemming from a lengthy investigation into vehicle burglaries in Columbia County. Over the past 6 weeks, approximately 40 vehicles were burglarized. The suspects targeted residential neighborhoods in central Columbia County to include, Wise Estates, Emerald Lakes, Callahan, Calloway, Forest Country, Mayfair, Woodcrest, Shady Oak and Piccadilly Park Subdivisions.
The suspects found some vehicles unlocked but also forced entry into several cars by breaking windows. The thieves stole GPS units, laptop computers, gaming consoles and CD/DVD’s among other items.
During the early morning hours of Sunday, September 20, 2009, the suspects were burglarizing a vehicle in the Calloway Subdivision. The homeowner saw one of the suspects inside her vehicle and notified the Sheriff’s Office. CCSO Patrol Deputies responded. Deputy Matt Grinstead and his K-9 partner, Zombie, tracked the suspects to a point where they left in a vehicle. Deputy Grinstead discovered that one of the suspects dropped a cell phone near the scene.
At approximately 4:45 a.m., CCSO received another call from the Calloway Subdivision that three male subjects were in a yard with a flashlight. CCSO Patrol Deputies responded again and were able to take two suspects into custody.
Columbia County Sheriff’s Office Detectives are working closely with the Suwannee County Sheriff’s Office to determine if the arrested subjects are linked to burglaries in Suwannee County.
“This investigation was a success thanks to the cooperation and input of our Columbia County citizens. The hard work of your Patrol Deputies and Detectives is yet another example of the dedication of the Columbia County Sheriff’s Office to provide the highest level of service to our community” says Sheriff Mark Hunter.
Arrested
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Jesse Shankles, age 17
8351 204th St, Branford, FL 32008 (was released to parents)
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Robert St Clair, Jr, 12/27/1990
607 Savannah St, Branford, FL 32008 (In Custody)
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Jeremy W. Dunkin, 12/21/1971
11346 Brantly Rd, Obrien, FL 32071 (Arrested in West Palm Beach in a stolen vehicle.)
The three suspects will be facing approximately 40 charges of Burglary, Grand Theft, and Dealing in Stolen Property.
