An Altamont man and a 17-year-old male suspect were arrested in connection with several crimes in the area that include Burglary, Vehicle Theft, and Arson.
26-year-old Zachary T. Gillespie of Altmont was arrested Tuesday and charged with Arson (Class 2 Felony), Possession of a Stolen Vehicle (Class 2 Felony), and several counts of Burglary (Class 2 Felony). All charges carry a maximum sentence of 7 years. The 17-year-old is facing the same charges though his case was filed with juvenile court. He is currently being held in Juvenile Detention. Gillespie will appear in court at 11 a.m. on Thursday where his bond will be set.
Charges alleged that the pair stole and set fire to a pickup truck owned by Greg Schutte, of Effingham. Further, that the two burglarized numerous businesses in Effingham including Joe’s Liquor Cabinet, Danny’s Quick Sak, Lidy Graphics, Fresh Diggs, Wright At Home Interiors, and State Beauty Supply.
The arrests were a result of cooperation between several local law enforcement agencies including the Effingham Police Department, the Effingham County Sheriff’s Office, and the Effingham County State’s Attorney Bryan Kibler.
“I was impressed by the teamwork and cooperation between the City Police Department and the Sheriff’s Department. Each Department had a team of officers working around the clock to solve these crimes. The efforts of those departments demonstrate that anything is possible when everyone works together,” Kibler said.