Deputies Set Up Sting,
Catch Man Wanted For Auto Burglaries
A man wanted for a string of vehicle burglaries at boat ramps at McCurdy Point and Persimmon Hill at Enid Lake was arrested Friday morning after the Yalobusha County Sheriff’s Department set up a sting operation.
Sheriff Lance Humphreys reported Patrick Hankins, age 22, was arrested following a brief chase after deputy Jim Bailey observed him steal a gun out of a vehicle at Persimmon Hill Boat Ramp. Bailey was hiding in the woods waiting, along with other deputies who were set up at strategic locations nearby.
“We were getting reports each Friday that several vehicles were targeted at both Permission Hill and McCurdy Point,” the sheriff explained. “We decided that it was worth the effort to set up and see if he would return.”
Yalobusha County Investigator Jerimaine Gooch set up the sting operation early this morning, working with deputies Jason Mangrum, Steve Story, Aquarius Phillips and Bailey.
Hankins was able to flee in his vehicle after Bailey emerged from the woods but other deputies were already closing in, according to the sheriff.
“He met Investigator Gooch in the road. He hit a tree in a sharp curve, busting both front tires,” Humphreys said. The suspect was able to drive several more miles before the vehicle quit and he was taken into custody. The gun, which was thrown from the vehicle during the chase, was also recovered.
“Investigator Gooch did an excellent job of setting this up and the entire group worked hard to bring this string of burglaries to an end,” Humphreys said. “We want people visiting Enid Lake to have an enjoyable outing. We understand how frustrating it is to return from a day of fishing or boating and discover your vehicle had been burglarized.”
Evidence was recovered in Hankins’ vehicle linking him to at least one earlier burglary. He is currently facing charges for burglary of a vehicle and petty larceny from this morning but additional charges are expected.
Sent from my SM-G935V using Crappie.com Fishing mobile app
