Burglary, robbery, drug-related cases among overnight Albany crime activity

ALBANY — Burglary, robbery by sudden snatching and a drug-related case were included in the Albany Police Department’s activity on Wednesday evening and early Thursday.

Phyllis Banks, a spokeswoman for the APD, said the burglary case was reported from 505 Eugemar Drive, Apartment B, shortly after midnight Thursday morning. The victim told police he left around 10 p.m. and returned home at midnight to discover an unknown person had entered his residence and stolen a safe containing two pistols, as well as six watches, from the master bedroom.

The suspect is believed to have entered through an unlocked bathroom window on the north side of the residence and exited through the back door on the west side of residence. No arrests have been made in connection to the incident as of midday Thursday, Banks said.

Banks said the drug-related case resulted in an arrest after a suspect attempted to escape custody while at Phoebe Putney Memorial Hospital.

James Tyrone Parker, after treatment at Phoebe for possible cocaine ingestion, reportedly escaped from the custody of an officer while being escorted to a patrol vehicle. The officer pursued the suspect on foot and apprehended him in the 500 block of Fifth Avenue, Banks said.

Records from the Dougherty County Jail show Parker, 32, was booked Thursday on charges of firearm possession by a convicted felon, giving false information to a police officer, escape, possession of a controlled substance and parole violation. He is in the jail on four bonds totaling $10,000.

Banks said the sudden snatching case was reported at Priya Food Mart, at 210 S. Jefferson St., at 7:40 p.m. The victim reported she was standing in line inside of the convenience store preparing to pay for a beer when an unknown man snatched cash from her hand before fleeing the business.

When officers arrived, the area was searched, but the suspect was not located. No injuries and no arrests were immediately reported in the incident, Banks said.

Banks said all of the cases remained active and under investigation on Thursday.