A theft of more than $400 took place from the Hardee’s on Shotwell Street Saturday night as the store’s employees were preparing to close the restaurant.

The theft occurred at the restaurant, located at 1000 E. Shotwell St. in Bainbridge, shortly before the business was to close at 11 p.m.

One of the employees told officers he came out from a back room at the restaurant and saw two men run around the counter and out of the east door of the building, according to incident reports.

Two other employees, one being the restaurant manager, were putting away food items in the cooler when the theft occurred. Inside the restaurant’s office the employees discovered that more than $466 in cash had been taken, including a bag of petty cash containing $391 and $75 from a cash register drawer.

Bainbridge Public Safety investigators arrived on the scene and called in tracking dogs from Decatur and Seminole County Sheriff’s Office to attempt to track the thieves, but were unsuccessful.

Investigator Alton Brock said BPS officers canvassed the area looking for the men, but were unable to locate any suspects. He said the theft by taking incident is still under investigation.

If you have any information pertaining to the theft, please contact Bainbridge Public Safety at (229) 248-2038.

Armed robbery occurs at home

Bainbridge Public Safety officers responded to a robbery taking place at 431 E. College St.—a boarding house in Bainbridge.

On Sunday, June 28, Office Chris Jowers arrived at the home and saw a suspect, Markees Juwan Blount, 17, of 1581 E. Troup St. in Bainbridge, quickly exiting the home.

Jowers stopped the young man, at which time a large group of Hispanic males came out of the house carrying wood sticks, according to incident reports. Jowers placed handcuffs on Blount and spoke with one of the Hispanic males who said four black males, including Blount, had entered the home—one carrying a pistol. The men took money from three of the Hispanic males totaling approximately $500.

Blount was arrested and charged with armed robbery and burglary.

Storm recap

Two strong storms made their way through Decatur County on Sunday and Monday and caused the National Weather Service (NWS) in Tallahassee, Fla., to issue severe weather warnings.

Shortly after 7 p.m. on Sunday, the NWS issued a severe thunderstorm warning for Decatur County. The storm brought heavy rains, lightning and winds that caused a number of trees to fall and several reported power outages.

Decatur County Fire and Rescue responded to reports of downed trees at six locations.

Kelly Godsey, a meteorologist with the NWS, said Sunday and Monday’s storms had the potential of producing high speed winds. The Attapulgus Research Farm in Attapulgus reported receiving 0.63 inches of rain over the two days, bringing June’s rainfall up to 2.49 inches and the yearly total up to 28.09 inches.

Troopers warn against impaired driving during July Fourth

Atlanta—As motorists take to the roads this week for the July Fourth holiday travel period, the Georgia State Patrol is reminding drivers to plan their travels carefully, keeping safety as the No. 1 priority.

The 78-hour holiday period begins this Thursday at 6 p.m. and ends at midnight Sunday, July 5.

Col. Bill Hitchens, commissioner of the Georgia Department of Public Safety, said Monday that state troopers and officers with the Department’s Motor Carrier Compliance Division (MCCD) will be patrolling throughout the weekend in an effort to keep roads safe.

Speeding, driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol and not wearing seat belts are the top three factors in deadly traffic accidents, Hitchens said.

“The Fourth of July should be about families getting together and having fun,” said Chief Deputy Jim Morris of the Decatur County Sheriff’s Office said. “Both our deputies and the State Patrol will have extra people out watching for drunk drivers and working to ensure safe travel.”

Traffic crashes during the 2008 July Fourth holiday travel period claimed the lives of 22 people in Georgia. There were 1,860 traffic crashes reported and 910 people injured. Last year, two of the 22 traffic deaths were alcohol-related.

“Anytime a holiday period falls on a weekend, there is an increased chance of encountering an alcohol impaired driver as you travel,” Hitchens said. “Minimize distractions in your vehicle and be alert should you be forced to take evasive action to avoid a collision.”

People can report suspected impaired drivers by calling the Georgia State Patrol at Star G-S-P (*477) from their cell phone, 24 hours a day, seven days a week.