Hailey
Jackson County Man: A shocking burglary incident in Athens, Georgia, left residents stunned when a man was found hiding in the ceiling of an Earth Fare grocery store. Even more concerning, he left his 9-year-old son home alone while committing the crime.
Here’s the full story of what happened that night.
How the Burglary Was Discovered
The burglary took place at the Earth Fare store on South Lumpkin Street in the Five Points area. Police say the incident was reported at 2:22 a.m. on January 23, when a burglar alarm went off inside the store.
Officers quickly set up a perimeter around the building. People at the front of the store reported seeing a figure dressed in all black with a mask. When the suspect noticed the police, he crouched down and tried to hide, avoiding detection.
Despite police calls for him to surrender, the suspect did not respond.
Suspect Found Hiding in the Ceiling
Police officer Zachary Davis entered the store to search for the suspect. In a back storage room, he discovered the man hiding in the ceiling between air conditioning ducts and pipes. The suspect eventually came down and was arrested on the spot.
During the investigation, police found:
- Crowbar
- Box cutter
- Black mask
Details About the Suspect
The suspect is a 40-year-old man from Commerce, Georgia. He chose not to make a statement to police but admitted that he had left his 9-year-old son home alone during the burglary.
He was charged with burglary, possession of a knife during a crime, and property damage, as he had damaged a door to access a safe inside the store.
Police also found his red 2015 Chevrolet Silverado pickup nearby, containing more tools for committing crimes. Investigators determined he entered the store by opening a roll-up door at the rear storage area.
Criminal History and Jail Status
The suspect remained in the Athens-Clarke County Jail without bond. Magistrate’s Court Judge Donarell Green noted he could not set bond because the man was already out on bond for a previous burglary.
Detective Kyren Sharpe requested no bail, citing the suspect’s criminal history of 24 prior burglaries across multiple counties.
Additionally, the suspect had a hold from Jackson County on a child cruelty charge. Police confirmed that the 9-year-old was home alone, and the state Department of Families and Children Services was notified.
Arrest and Legal Consequences
This case highlights serious issues: repeated criminal behavior, endangering a child, and theft. The suspect faces multiple charges, and the child’s welfare is now under state protection.
Police are continuing their investigation, and authorities urge residents to report any suspicious activity immediately.
Key Facts of the Burglary
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Location | Earth Fare, South Lumpkin Street, Athens, GA |
| Date & Time | January 23, 2026, at 2:22 a.m. |
| Suspect | 40-year-old man from Commerce, GA |
| Charges | Burglary, knife possession during a crime, property damage |
| Tools Found | Crowbar, box cutter, black mask, additional tools in pickup |
| Child Safety | 9-year-old left alone; DFCS notified |
| Jail Status | Held without bond; criminal history includes 24 prior burglaries |
The Earth Fare burglary in Athens is a stark reminder of how criminals can risk not only the law but also the safety of their own children. Authorities acted quickly to apprehend the suspect hiding in the ceiling, preventing further crime.
Meanwhile, the suspect now faces multiple charges and legal action, while his child is under state protection. This incident underscores the importance of community vigilance and swift police response to protect both property and vulnerable children.