Police Investigate Multiple Christmas Day Burglaries in Athens

An Athens-Clarke County Police officer on patrol found an open door at a Dearing Street residence around 3:40 p.m. Christmas Day. Officers cleared the residence and determined items appeared to have been stolen and clothing pulled from the drawers. Officials contacted the residents, Emily Griffin and Laurel Rutherford, advising them that TVs and camera equipment valued at over $1,100 had been stolen.

While investigating the burglary, officers found another residence at the location that had also been burglarized. It appeared that some electronics were missing, though officers were not able to contact the residents.

Other incidents reported to the Athens-Clarke County Police Department:

ARREST: Around 10:30 p.m. Dec. 25, officers had contact with Mario Jennings at the intersection of W. Broad and Paris Street. Jennings was arrested on an outstanding warrant. During a search of his person, a corner baggy of a white substance was found in his pants pocket. A field test of the substance was positive for cocaine. A counterfeit $20 bill was also found. Jennings, 35, of Dubose Ave, was charged with second degree Forgery – Possession of Counterfeit Currency and Possession of Cocaine. (12-1548)

ACCIDENT: The resident of a Fowler Mill Road residence called 911 to report a male who walked up to the residence and asked them to call. An officer met with Simon Andrew Cotterell of Hwy 29 N. Cotterell advised he was returning from Atlanta and sometime prior to 0350 December 26 he wrecked a 1999 Plymouth Voyager owned by Mario Saavedra Rios of Pine Valley Road at an unknown location. Officers searched the area and located the vehicle at Rios’ residence with a flat tire and damaged windshield. EMS responded and transported Cotterell to St. Mary’s Hospital. The investigation continues. (12-1556)