On January 27, 2013, a Columbia County man was arrested for allegedly committing a string of vehicle burglaries.
Columbia County Sheriff’s Office deputies and detectives began investigating several vehicle burglaries on January 2, 2013. The suspect entered unlocked vehicles in the Wise Estates subdivision off C.R. 242. The thefts occurred during the overnight hours. During the investigation, additional vehicle burglaries were reported in the Creekside, Azalea Park and Callaway subdivisions. Detectives believed that the burglaries were connected.
Columbia County Sheriff’s Office detectives determined that the suspect had used a stolen credit card from one of the burglaries to purchase tools from Lowes. The management of the Lake City Lowes store assisted detectives with providing the surveillance video of the suspect. Based on the surveillance footage, detectives were able to develop Aaron Bennefield as a suspect in the vehicle burglaries.
On January 27, 2013, Detectives made contact with Bennefield at his home. Bennefield resides in the Wise Estates subdivision. Detectives received a search warrant for Bennefield’s home and vehicle. The subsequent search led to the discovery of numerous stolen items to include tools, electronics and firearms. Detectives were able to locate additional stolen property at area pawn shops. Bennefield was taken into custody without incident and booked into the Columbia County Detention Facility. Detectives have charged Bennefield with 22 separate counts of burglary. Additional charges are pending on Bennefield as this investigation moves forward.
Detectives have recovered some items that have not yet been linked to a particular victim. If your vehicle was burglarized during the past few weeks, you are asked to call the Detective Division at 386-758-1095 to help detectives determine if the recovered property is yours.
Arrested:
Aaron Bennefield, 12/16/1989
224 SW Wise Drive, Lake City, FL
Charges: Burglary (22 counts), Grand Theft, Dealing in Stolen Property
Bond: NONE
