VALDOSTA, Ga. – On January 7, 2020, at approximately 12:30 pm, a patrol officer with the Valdosta Police Department was patrolling the area around East Jane Street when he observed a subject, later identified as Willie Thomas pushing a grocery cart.

The cart contained several items of value to include electronics, jewelry and tools. A short time after speaking with Thomas, the officer received a burglary call in the 700 block of East Force Street. The items reported stolen in the burglary were the same items the officer documented Thomas had in the grocery cart.

Further investigation found witnesses that were able to confirm Thomas burglarized the victim’s home. Thomas was later located and some of the stolen items were recovered. Thomas was transported to Lowndes County Jail for the charge of burglary (felony). 

“We are extremely proud of our officer’s thorough investigation which led to the victim getting his belongings back and the offender being arrested quickly,” commented Lt. Scottie Johns. “We also want to thank the citizens who assisted in this case, their information proved to be invaluable.”