UPDATE: Both suspects in Pirkle’s Deli burglary now in custody

UPDATE Mar 10, 2016 8:19 a.m.

Two suspects who are believed to have burglarized Pirkle’s Deli early Wednesday morning are now both in jail after the latest arrest by police early Thursday morning.

Cedartown Police Chief Jamie Newsome told WGAA Radio this morning that a second suspect, Damon Morris, was apprehended early Thursday morning by the Cedartown Police Department Patrol Division following a brief foot chase.

Damon Morris faces charges of burglary, theft by taking and criminal trespass.

His brother, Brandon Morris, was arrested on Wednesday on charges of theft by receiving stolen property and criminal trespass.

Previously reported: Mar 9, 10:49 p.m.

PRESS RELEASE

Members of the Cedartown Police Department worked quickly this morning to close in on two suspects sought in connection with the burglary of a popular downtown deli.

One suspect, Brandon Morris, of a Columbus, Ga. address, is currently being held in the Polk County Jail on charges of theft by receiving stolen property and criminal trespass. Police have issued a warrant for the arrest of the second suspect, identified as Damon Morris, on charges of burglary, theft by taking and criminal trespass.

According to Cedartown Police Chief Jamie Newsome, officers were alerted early Wednesday morning by employees of Pirkle’s Deli to a burglary that had already taken place. Upon reporting for work, employees realized that several items were missing, including the deli’s catering and delivery van, along with noticeable property damage. Newsome said his officers responded to the scene and confirmed that a burglary had taken place.

After a quick search, officers discovered the van had been abandoned in the Southside Baptist Church parking lot on Cobb Street. The van was not damaged and has been returned to the deli owner.

Using information gathered while on routine patrol, officers visited an area known for “squatting” and located food packaging that belonged to the deli. Officers then located Brandon Morris in an empty house on South College Street. He was taken into custody for questioning and later booked into the Polk County Jail.