EUTAW-A quick response and quick investigation led Eutaw Police to solve a pair of thefts and make arrests last week. The situations were very different, with one theft involving personal property and the other gasoline, but the results were the same.

The first call came last Wednesday when the Eutaw Police responded to a call from Shirley Johnson that someone had stolen $200 in currency and the contents of her wallet from her residence as well as other important documents.

However, one day later the crime was solved. Eutaw Police Chief Reginald Spencer said the next day they tracked down the man they believed to be responsible for the theft. Spencer said the theft occurred when the arrested party was a guest in Johnson’s house.

“We arrested Kenneth Daniels, 44, of Eutaw and he has been charged with theft of property, third degree,” Spencer said. “Mrs. Johnson said she thought it was a burglary. She said he was in her residence earlier and had left a window unlocked and come back later, but after investigating it we found out he had just stolen it while he was in her house.”

Sunday, the Eutaw Police investigated another theft when Sulman Mahdi, owner of the Eutaw One Stop, reported a gas drive off. Madhi reported a driver had filled their vehicle with $27.23 in gas and made a quick getaway.

However, the suspect would not get far. Moments later the department apprehended Ronnie Lee Gee Jr., 26, and took him into custody. Gee has been charged with theft of property, third degree.

Spencer said gasoline drive offs have been a problem in the area since prices began to climb. Despite the rising prices, Spencer said drive-offs would not be tolerated and those guilty of the crime would be prosecuted.