On Tuesday, May 14, 2013, two men were arrested for allegedly committing a
burglary and stealing several firearms.
On May 6, 2013, the victim reported to the Columbia County Sheriff’s Office that
her home was burglarized and several items of value, including firearms, were
stolen.
The victim received information that identified a suspect in the burglary. On
Tuesday, May 14, 2013, the victim provided the information to Deputy Sheriff
Charles Vaughn. Deputy Vaughn began to immediately investigate and follow up on
the information provided.
Deputy Vaughn attempted to make contact with one of the suspects (Scott Phillps) at
his home. When Deputy Vaughn arrived, he observed Phillips running away from
the residence carrying a rifle case. Phillips was apprehended a short distance
away from the home after a brief foot chase. Phillps was taken into custody
without further incident. Several of the stolen firearms were recovered at the
scene.
Later in the afternoon, Deputies developed a second suspect (Curtis Handy). Deputies
conducted a search of his home and discovered additional firearms stolen during
the burglary on May 6. Curtis Handy, who was not home when deputies found the
stolen items, later called CCSO to report that his guns were stolen. Deputies
arrived back at his residence and took Handy into custody without incident.
Both suspects were transported to and booked into the Columbia County Detention
Facility. The stolen items were returned to their lawful owner.
Arrested:
Scott Phillips, 9/11/1990
9566 S. US Hwy 441, Lake City, FL
Charges: Burglary while Armed, Grand Theft, Criminal Mischief
Bond: $17,000.00
Curtis Handy, 5/8/1992
SW Grape St., Ft. White, FL
Charges: Burglary while Armed, Grand Theft, Criminal Mischief
Bond: $17,000.00
