On Sunday, November 21, 2010, a man was arrested by Columbia County Sheriff’s Deputies for burglarizing a local business.
In response to recent burglaries to local metals recyclers, CCSO Deputies were actively patrolling the businesses. At approximately 11:30 p.m., on 11/21/2010, Sgt Jeff Watson was patrolling the area of The Recycle Center (East Washington St.) on foot. Sgt Watson observed the suspect run from the business and into a neighborhood that was adjacent. Sgt Watson made contact with the man and noticed that he was sweating profusely and his clothes were recently soiled with dirt. The suspect provided varying accounts for his presence in the area and his whereabouts prior to be contacted by Sgt Watson.
Deputies attempted to verify the suspect’s alibis but found his statements to not be consistent. After further interviews, the suspect admitted to burglarizing the business in an attempt to steal metals. Deputies were able to recover several vehicle radiators that the suspect had stolen from the business. The suspect attempted to hide the stolen items in a roadside ditch. The stolen radiators have an estimated value of $400.00.
The proactive patrolling and the recognition of area crime trends led to the arrest of this suspect. The recovery of the stolen property has assured that the business owners will not have to face a financial loss as a result of the theft.
Arrested
[lightbox href=”https://columbiasheriff.org/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/Billy-Tomlinson.jpg”] [image src=”https://columbiasheriff.org/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/Billy-Tomlinson.jpg” height=150 width=150] [/lightbox]
Billy Joe Tomlinson 11/19/1987
185 S.W. Friendship Way, Lake City, FL
Charges: Burglary, Possession of Burglary Tools, Grand Theft
Bond: $30,000.00
