Off-Duty Barrow Deputy Detains Shoplifting Suspect in Oconee

An off-duty Barrow County Sheriff's deputy was in the right place at the right time on July 27 to assist with the arrest of a shoplifting suspect at in Oconee County.

According to an incident report on file at the Oconee County Sheriff's Office, a loss prevention employee witnessed a man leave the store around 6: 15 p.m. with items that had not been paid for and attempt to load them into a vehicle in the parking lot.  The employee also happened to see Cpl. Brandon Willis of the Barrow County Sheriff's Office, who was off-duty at the time, and asked for his help. 

Willis confronted the suspect, who ignored verbal commands and attempted to flee, according to the report, and Willis had to physically restrain the suspect in order to place handcuffs on him.

Christopher Wade Hass, 42, of Winder, was charged with obstruction of an officer and theft by shoplifting.  He was transported to the Oconee County Jail by Oconee Deputy Brad Williams. 

The stolen items -- a window air conditioning unit, beer, laundry detergent and bread -- were returned to the store.

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