Burglars Apprehended After Taking Furniture from West Hancock Residence

Two Athens men were arrested early Tuesday morning after stealing furniture from a vacant house on West Hancock Avenue, according to an report.

West Hancock residents reported that two men who did not live at a 1100 block address entered through the back door and started loading furniture into a sedan shortly after midnight. One of the witnesses yelled at the suspects, but they ignored him. When police arrived on the scene, the witness told police the suspects had left but were still in the area.

Police apprehended Willie Smith, 54, and Hoyt Linder, 52, at the intersection of West Hancock and Milledge Avenue. Officers noticed the trunk was partially open because the furniture did not fit. Linder, who was sitting in the passenger sit, had a coffee table across his lap and found it difficult to get out of the car. Officers reported the furniture was put in the car in a way that indicated the transportation was not planned, according to the report.

After separating the suspects, Linder told police he had helped Smith by riding his bike to get gas because Smith's car was out of gas. Linder told police he didn't know where the furniture came from but was only trying to move the furniture.

Smith told police the furniture belonged to his sister, who lives on North Billups Street, and that he was moving it to his other sister's house on the east side of town. He denied ever being on West Hancock Avenue. 

When police questioned residents of West Hancock, an officer noticed a wooden chair similar to some that were in the car with Linder and Smith. Police said the chair was left behind because the suspects could not fit it in the car. Other witnesses in the area said they had watched the men load up furniture from their porch. The men did not see them "until it was too late."

A debit card which did not belong to Linder was also found during a search of the suspects. Linder said he found the card downtown and was planning on returning it. 

Both Linder and Smith were charged with burglary. Additionally, Smith was charged with DUI and driving with a suspended or revoked license. Both men were transported to Clarke County Jail.