Bishop Man Charged in Attempted Metal Theft

's deputies caught a would-be thief red-handed early Wednesday morning, Oconee County Sheriff Scott Berry reported.

A deputy saw a man purchasing cotton gloves at on Macon Highway around 2:30 a.m.   According to an incident report, the deputy then began looking for the vehicle the man was driving and found it parked in front of the  GSI Global Synergy, Inc. building in the 8700 block of Macon Highway. A second deputy responded and the man was found behind the building, where he appeared to be dismantling an air conditioner, the report noted.

Tools, including a pair of heavy wire cutters, a pair of shears, a screwdriver, and a socket wrench, and parts from the air conditioner were allegedly found in the suspect's pockets, according to the report.  The man was wearing the cotton gloves, deputies said.

Christopher J. Sumner, 47, of Old Bishop Road, was charged with criminal attempt to commit theft by taking, possession of burglary tools and loitering and prowling.

An arrest does not mean a conviction.

The investigation is ongoing.

Berry has said there is a in Georgia.

in October, prompting the Sheriff's Office to increase patrols around places of worship.