Man Arrested for Stealing Smokes, Beer and Lottery Tickets

Athens-Clarke Police media release, June 24

ARRESTS

Around 2:25 a.m. June 24 an officer on patrol saw a shattered glass door at Oglethorpe Package Store, 712 Oglethorpe Ave. When a back-up officer arrived, they cleared the building but did not locate anyone. The storeowner was contacted and responded. A review of the security camera footage revealed a male entered the store around 12:17 a.m. It was determined that cigarettes and beer valued at $55 as well as a number of lottery tickets were stolen. The suspect’s description was issued to officers. A short time later, an officer saw a male who matched the suspect in front of Bell’s on Hawthorne Ave. A search of his person revealed several lottery tickets that matched those stolen. Investigation confirmed this male was the offender. Walter James Campbell, 36, Westchester Dr, was arrested and charged with Burglary.

Officers responded to a complaint of an assault in progress at the Commerce Road Shell, 1790 Commerce Rd, around 10:30 a.m. June 23. Upon arrival, they saw a male holding another male on the ground. Investigation revealed Quantara LaTrice Pittman and Willie Barnett, Jr., both of Sir Matthew Rd, were arguing. Barnett struck Pittman about the head/face with his hands. A witness in the store ran out, pushed Barnett to the ground, and held him there until officers arrived. The investigation revealed Pittman’s 7-year old son witnessed the assault. Barnett, 64, was then arrested. He requested that an officer secure his vehicle. When the officer retrieved Barnett’s cell phone for him, he saw a shotgun shell in the door area. When asked about the shell, Barnett advised there was a shotgun in the trunk. It was determined Barnett was a convicted felon. He was charged with Battery, Cruelty to Children, and Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon.

BURGLARY / CRIMINAL DAMAGE

A vacant Kim Chase Rd rental unit was burglarized between 6 p.m. June 9 and 4:30 p.m. June 23. Walls had been damaged and copper pipes stolen from inside the residence. Copper pipes to the outside air conditioner unit were also stolen. The total value was $1,600. A witness saw a male at the residence a “couple of weeks ago” and identified him by name. 

BURGLARY / ENTERING AUTO

Between 4:30 p.m. and 6:30 p.m. June 23 a vehicle was entered while parked at a Robert Hardeman Rd residence. Cash, a driver’s license, and medication valued at $22 were stolen from the residence. The vehicle was also entered but nothing is known missing at this time. A suspect was named.