Monday, two men were arrested after an investigation found they allegedly took a window air-conditioning unit from a home which had been damaged.
Jeff Blair, 49, and Jerry Jones, 44, were charged with theft under $500.
Deputy Tony Cameron arrested the two men after a 911 call came from a neighbor who watched as the two men loaded the small window unit into the back of a red pickup truck in the 2900 block of Eastview Terrace, according to Bob Gault, media relations coordinator for the Bradley County Sheriff’s Office,
Cameron spotted a truck matching the 911 caller’s description, and neither occupant was wearing a seat belt; he then performed a traffic stop.
In the back of the truck was a window air conditioner, later identified as the one that had been stolen, reports said.
Deputy Chad Nave assisted in the investigation.
“The owner reported the unit was beside the house when it was taken Monday morning,” according to Gault’s information.
Both men were charged with theft and for not wearing seat belts. Blair was also charged with driving on a suspended license and not having insurance on the vehicle, Gault said.
The air conditioner was returned to the owner. Monday’s charges bring to nine the number arrested for looting-related crimes since the April 27 storms.
