On January 9,2013, Columbia County Sheriff’s Office deputies responded to a burglary call on NW Lake Jeffery Rd.
A concerned citizen noticed a suspicious vehicle and persons at a neighbor’s home and notified the Sheriff’s Office. Deputies discovered that the home had indeed been burglarized and a television and other items had been stolen from the home.
The witness provided the Sheriff’s Office with a description of the suspicious vehicle, a white Ford Crown Victoria with a police style spotlight attached to it. Sheriff’s deputies immediately began searching for the suspects vehicle. Sgt Pete Spurlock observed a vehicle matching the description parked on SE Lomond St. Sgt Spurlock and Detective Martin Lee attempted to make contact with the occupants of the vehicle when one of the suspects fled on foot. Deputies were able to take the suspect into custody after a brief foot pursuit. The suspect that fled is a 15 year old male juvenile.
Deputies discovered some of the stolen property in the suspects’ vehicle and on the suspect that was apprehended.
The subsequent investigation led to the arrest of another juvenile suspect (17 year old male).
Both juveniles were booked into the Columbia County Detention Facility on charges of Burglary and Dealing in Stolen Property. The recovered stolen property will be returned to the owner.
Additional arrests are expected as this investigation moves forward.
The quick apprehension of these burglary suspects would not have been possible without the assistance of the citizen whom was concerned enough to call law enforcement. Anyone that observes suspicious activity in their community is urged to contact law enforcement. Citizens may also report criminal activity and/or tips to Crime Stoppers of Columbia County at 386-754-7099. Callers to Crime Stoppers will always remain anonymous and may be eligible for a cash reward of up to $1,000.00
