VALDOSTA – On May 13, at approximately 1:02 am, patrol officers with the Valdosta Police Department responded to a residence in the 1700 block of Williams Street.

The victim reported that an unknown subject entered into her residence and took property without permission. Through speaking to witnesses and gathering physical evidence at the scene, the investigation revealed that the Eric Thomas was the offender.

Warrants were presented by the Detective Bureau of the Valdosta Police Department to the Lowndes County Magistrate’s court. Warrants were secured for Burglary and Criminal Trespass against Thomas.

The lead detective on this case then utilized the mobile computer system that each patrolman is issued and sent out the warrant information as well as photographs of the suspect. –It should be noted that there is usually a time delay in getting warrants entered into the state system; however, Valdosta Police Officers were able to access the information within minutes of the warrant being signed and were able to begin immediately searching for the suspect.

On May 19, 2016 at 9:57 p.m., a patrol officer entered into a business in the 1800 block of North Ashley Street. Eric Thomas by happenstance was also inside the business. The patrol officer, having seen the earlier message sent out by the lead detective, was able to identify the subject in short order and take the subject into custody after further confirming his identity.

Thomas was taken to the Lowndes County Jail. Eric Thomas now faces the two charges of Burglary (FELONY) and Criminal Trespass (Misdemeanor).

“This is another example of assistance from the victim and the use of technology helped identify and arrest an offender before someone else became the victim of a Burglary,” said VPD Lt. Adam Bembry.

Release from the Valdosta Police Department