On May 14, at 3:13 A.M., Valdosta Police Officers responded to the 700 block of North Ashley Street after receiving a call about a suspicious male pushing a four-wheeler through an alley.
When officers arrived on the scene, they found a man, identified as Elliot Chandler, walking in the area with a blanket over his head.
According to police, when officers stopped Chandler to investigate the call for service, he provided them with a false name and date of birth.
Upon detaining Chandler, officers found parts of an ignition switch on his person.
Officers searched the area and located a four-wheeler behind a business close to the suspect's location. The four-wheeler was missing part of the ignition switch.
Officers then discovered the back window of a business broken out, and it appeared that someone had made entry into the business.
Upon checking with the business owner, surveillance video showed Chandler forcing entry into the business and stealing the four-wheeler.
Chandler was transported to Lowndes County Jail, where he has been charged with:
- Burglary in the 2nd degree-felony;
- Criminal damage to property in the 2nd degree-felony;
- Possession of tools for the commission of a crime-felony; and
- Giving false name, address, or birthdate to law enforcement officer-misdemeanor.
“We are thankful that the citizen who observed the suspicious activity called 911 immediately which allowed our officers to get on scene quickly. Our officers did a great job following up and searching the area to find that the burglary had occurred.” said Chief Leslie Manahan.