Fast action by Wakulla County Sheriff’s Office deputies and the WCSO Dispatch unit on Tuesday, Sept. 4 resulted in the arrest of a 47-year-old Chattanooga, Tenn. man in connection with thefts of money at two ice machines at Wakulla County businesses, according to Sheriff Donnie Crum.

John Thomas Steiner, Jr. was charged with criminal mischief, burglary, possession of burglary tools and grand theft in the cases.

WCSO was alerted to the 2:27 a.m. burglary at an automated ice machine on Woodville Highway.  Security footage was collected from the scene and nine minutes later at 2:36 a.m. a second alarm was received at a second automated ice machine on Crawfordville Highway.

Sgt. Jeremy Johnston observed the suspect vehicle in the area and conducted a traffic stop in Crawfordville.  Sgt. Johnston observed an electric saw and spare battery inside the vehicle.  The suspect admitted that he was on his way to a third automated ice machine in Panacea when he was stopped.

Sgt. Johnston spoke to Deputy Randy Phillips and confirmed that the suspect used the same type saw equipment he observed in the vehicle at the first crime scene on Woodville Highway.  The vehicle was seized and taken to the WCSO Impound yard and a large quantity of coins was recovered inside the vehicle.

The money was handed over to the Evidence Division for storage.  Property damage was estimated at $60 on Woodville Highway.  Deputy Mike Crum investigated the Crawfordville ice machine theft.

Steiner remains in the Wakulla County Jail under a $13,100 bond.

Written by :

kblackmar

 

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