On Thursday, September 22, Columbia County Sheriff’s Office Detectives arrested a Lake City man who has been on a two month long burglary spree.
The investigation began in late July when someone attempted to break in a Chevron gas station at 4008 U.S. Hwy 90. Entry was not made and nothing was taken, but video surveillance was obtained of the suspect. Over the next two months, 14 burglaries were committed by the suspect who used the same method and burglary tools. Five of the 14 burglaries were outside of Columbia County in Suwannee, Baker, Lafayette, and Union Counties.
Detectives circulated photos of the suspect to all surrounding law enforcement agencies and to the public via social media. Detectives received assistance from a White Springs Police Officer, who identified the male in the photo as a subject he has had contact with in the past.
An address was found for the suspect, Christopher Randell Dickey, 25 at 2862 NW Suwannee Valley Road. Detectives located Dickey there and executed a search warrant for the home. Several pieces of evidence, including two cash registers from the burglaries were recovered during the search.
Dickey was arrested on the crimes investigated by CCSO, which were 6 of the 14 cases. He was booked into the Columbia County Detention Facility on 4 counts of burglary, 2 counts of attempted burglary, 6 counts of Criminal Mischief and 4 counts of theft. He is being held in lieu of a $77,000 bond. Additional charges are expected from the other agencies involved.
“I’m very proud of the outstanding job our detectives did.” Sheriff Mark Hunter stated, “The detectives, with the cooperation and help of our partner agencies, have removed a serious felon from our streets.”
