House guest steals car, money

Willie Norris McDowell, 33, of Statham, was staying at a friend’s house on Eighth Street. When the friend awoke at 3 a.m., she discovered McDowell gone and her Chevy Blazer missing. The victim also noticed $90 had been taken from a purse inside the residence.

After filing a report with Statham police, the victim went back to sleep. When she awoke, she found McDowell inside the house.

Police returned to the residence and arrested McDowell on charges of theft by taking and probation violation. Neither the money nor the vehicle have been recovered as of press time.

Statham Police are also investigating multiple car break-ins in the area of Providence Road.

Statham Police Public Information Officer Buddy Hardigree said police responded to nine reports of entering auto between 3 a.m. and 5 a.m. Sunday morning.

Hardigree said police are pursuing a couple of leads in the case.

“The investigation is ongoing,” Hardigree said.

Others arrests made by Statham Police this past week include:

• Mikel Timpriest Burnett, 31, 225 Graham Street, Apt. 11A, Winder, contempt of court and probation violation.

• Margaret Marie Bridges, 24, 506 Greenfield Drive, Statham, family violence battery.

• Leslie Alexandria Wagner, 23, 123 Autumn Drive, Nicholson, driving while license suspended.

• Michael Stephen Snyder, 30, 212 Tawnyberry Drive, Athens, driving while unlicensed, speeding and DUI.