Businessman holds suspect in attempted theft

August 12, 2008 07:25 pm

— A businessman discovered two strangers attempting to hook a vehicle up to a trailer holding a light earth-moving piece of equipment and was able to hold one for authorities while a second suspect escaped, according to sheriff's department reports.
Sunday Tommie Fitzgerald of Fitzgerald Trucking on Interstate Dr. told police that when he arrived at his business, he spotted two men attempting to hook up to an 18-foot trailer. A BobCat skid steer had been moved from in front of the trailer to gain access to the trailer, according to Deputy Avery Aytes' report.
One of the men was backing a 1989 Chevrolet pickup to the trailer while the second man was motioning the driver back into position. A second pickup was parked nearby.
When the men saw the businessman arriving, the one in the pickup sped away. Fitzgerald was able to block the second man in until deputies arrived.
The man that was left behind was identified as Robert Henry Baker, 50, Hartsville. He was charged with attempted theft more than $10,000 and criminal trespass.
Investigator Bo Kollros is continuing the investigation and additional arrests are expected.