Wainwright was wanted for allegedly breaking into several cars at a church as people enjoyed a Christmas dinner.
TAYLOR COUNTY, Ga. — A man wanted by the Taylor County Sheriff’s Office for three weeks was arrested on New Year’s Eve, according to a post.
The sheriff’s office’s post said that Donnie Wainwright, a man wanted for breaking into cars at a church in Taylor County, was arrested on Wednesday.
“You can run, but you can’t hide! Look who was captured and will be spending the New Year behind bars,” the post said.
According to the sheriff’s office, Wainwright broke into six cars that were parked in the parking lot of The Church of Butler on Thomaston Highway on Monday, Dec. 8. Pastor Tommy Beeland said people were at the church enjoying a Christmas dinner.
“He just came in and took advantage of that opportunity,” Beeland said.”
Beeland said that the thief stole wallets, pocketbooks, medication and at least one pistol from vehicles.
Sheriff John Sawyer said Wainwright also broke into a salvage yard about a quarter mile from the church before the vehicle break-ins. Surveillance footage from that location shows him stealing a safe containing an undetermined amount of cash.
Deputies chased Wainwright through wooded areas that night until around 9 p.m. but lost him, according to Sawyer.
The sheriff’s office said they issued warrants for Wainwright’s arrest on four counts of entering autos, one count of burglary and five counts of theft by taking.
The Facebook post thanked Dougherty County Sheriff Terron Hayes and his staff, indicating they were involved in Wainwright’s arrest.
We’ve reached out out both the Taylor County and Dougherty County Sheriff’s Offices for further details on Wainwright’s arrest, but they’ve not responded.