BREWTON, Ala. — A Brewton man is behind bars after police say he burglarized a local gas station and damaged a neighboring business early Thursday morning before being tracked down with the help of a K-9 unit.
Brewton Police officers say they responded to a burglary in progress at the Diamond South Gasoline station on South Boulevard at approximately 3:50 a.m. Upon arrival, officers say they spotted a man running into a nearby wooded area off Alco Drive and immediately established a perimeter to prevent him from escaping.
K-9 Team Tracks Suspect to Apartment Complex
A tracking dog team from the Alabama Department of Corrections was called to the scene and tracked the suspect south along Alco Drive. Police say a Brewton officer eventually located the suspect, identified as Frederick J. Williams, hiding inside a utility closet at the Cedar Forest Apartments. Williams was taken into custody without further incident, according to police.
Nearly $5,000 in Stolen Merchandise
Investigators say Williams stole beer, tobacco products and various other merchandise from the gas station with a total value of $4,945.23. Police say they also determined that Williams damaged the front doors of the adjacent Dollar General, though he did not gain entry to that building. Both businesses were closed at the time of the offenses.
Williams is charged with third-degree burglary, first-degree theft of property and second-degree criminal mischief. He is currently being held at the Escambia County Detention Center.
Brewton Police did not release additional details on Williams’ court dates as of publication.