Taylor County deputies warn the suspect is armed and dangerous. They said he was last seen near Highway 208.
BUTLER, Ga. — A Taylor County man is wanted on multiple charges after authorities say he broke into at least six vehicles in a church parking lot Sunday night while members were inside celebrating a Christmas dinner.
The Taylor County Sheriff’s Office has issued warrants for Donnie Wainwright on four counts of entering autos, one count of burglary and five counts of theft by taking.
Surveillance footage from The Church of Butler on Thomaston Highway appears to show a man moving through the parking lot for approximately 25 minutes, going from car to car with a flashlight.
“We were having our annual Christmas dinner, and so he just came in and took advantage of that opportunity,” Pastor Tommy Beeland said.
Beeland said a church member discovered her pocketbook had been stolen after returning to her vehicle. He immediately began reviewing security camera footage.
“It just started spreading,” Beeland said. “Others started going out and realizing their cars had been broken into as well.”
The suspect stole wallets, pocketbooks, medication and at least one pistol from vehicles, according to Beeland. The surveillance video shows the suspect opening unlocked car doors and rummaging through the interiors.
“You just don’t expect that, you know,” Beeland said. “You expect to come to church and be safe there.”
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 Monday night until approximately 9 p.m. but lost him after dark, according to Sawyer.
Wainwright was last seen on Highway 208 near Wainwright Road wearing a red jacket and a camouflage skull cap. Authorities warn he should be considered armed and dangerous.
Sawyer said Wainwright has an extensive criminal history and family connections in Taylor County, Albany and Florida.
Anyone who sees Wainwright should call 911 immediately and not approach him.
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