Athens Man Charged With Burglary In Crime Spree

ATHENS, GA — A 35-year-old Athens man is facing multiple charges stemming from a burglary and other crimes in the area of Waddell and Church streets, Athens-Clarke County Police said Tuesday.

Police identified the man as Rashard Blackshear. According to Clarke County Jail records, Blackshear was charged on suspicion of first-degree burglary, public indecency, two counts of loitering/prowling and probation violation for fingerprintable charge. He remained in the jail Wednesday.

He was arrested Sunday after a burglary warrant was served in the 100 block of Broadacres Court. Police said the crimes he is connected to took place from Friday-Sunday.

Blackshear was accused Friday of entering a Waddell apartment, which had an unlocked door, and conducting lewd acts in a person's bedroom while they were asleep. The person had awaken to the lewd acts.

He was then accused of entering a South Church apartment, which had an unlocked door, and taking multiple items, including AirPods. The AirPods were found in the Broadacres Court home, where the warrant was served, police said.

Surveillance footage and the University of Georgia Police assisted in the cases against Blackshear.

"ACCPD reminds residents to lock all doors to their residences, maintain outdoor lighting and consider the installation of surveillance cameras. Residents should also remove valuables from their vehicles and lock car doors to prevent theft," police said in a news release.