— From STAFF REPORTS

CORDELE — Would-be thieves were allegedly caught in the act by their intended victims in three incidents Crisp County Sheriff’s Department officers were asked to investigate last week.

Cordarrel Donte Caldwell, 22, of 246 McClendon Rd., was arrested on a theft charge after an Arabi resident arrived home last Thursday afternoon to find the offender’s car backed into his yard with its trunk open.

The complainant told Deputy Al Thompson that upon looking into the trunk he saw some of his property valued at $1,300 and promptly called the sheriff’s department to report the incident.

Deputy Scott Hawkins said he arrested Noah Joseph Salak, 31, of Grand Rapids, Mich., on a theft by taking charge after receiving a report about a suspicious red GMC truck being seen Saturday night in the area of Farmers Market Rd.

The officer located the truck on Watermelon Capital Speedway property where the complainant in the case told him he was missing from nearby Tubbys Trucking two tires mounted on factory rims. The tires valued at $150 were seen in the offender’s vehicle.

Deputy Warren Stowe charged Lee Daniel Grant, 49, of 306 22nd Ave. E., with felony burglary after the owner of Wade Construction Company on U.S. 41 N. blocked in the offender’s vehicle as he tried to leave that location.

While awaiting the arrival of deputies, the business owner allowed the offender to unload an estimated $1,460 worth of miscellaneous metal and engine parts that he had placed into his vehicle before being caught.

No arrests have been made in another theft case reported to Deputy Mike Mitchell who was told two grey Onan 480-volt diesel generators mounted on trailers and valued at $25,000 were stolen between Friday and Sunday from a barn located behind a Sandy Mount Rd. residence

In other activity within the last week, deputies:

— Said a Cordele Police Department officer is the apparent victim of identity theft which resulted in his receiving two billing statements totaling $2,956.60 from Doctors Medical Center in San Pablo, Calif.

Investigator Karla Stowe said a subject using the name of the officer sought treatment at that facility in April 20-21. The complainant said his time cards at work will verify that he was not in California on those dates. The case remains under investigation.

— Investigated two burglaries.

At a Hoover Street residence ,Deputy Mike Mitchell said a door frame was busted to gain entry. A Remington 12-gauge shotgun valued at $300 was stolen.