2 arrested in connection with We Care arson, theft

Published 2:34 pm Friday, November 7, 2014

Atmore police have arrested two suspects, in connection with an arson and theft that took place Thursday evening at the We Care Economy Shop.

Agent Scott Walden of the 21st Judicial Circuit Drug Task Force said two additional arrests are likely in the coming days.

Those who have already been arrested are Lisa Casey, 33, of 350 South Road, and Johnny Brooks, 48, of 100 Trout St. Both suspects are charged with third-degree burglary, second-degree theft of property, second-degree arson and second-degree criminal mischief.

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Casey and Brooks, and two other male suspects, allegedly stole items from the drop box at the We Care Economy Shop, located at 100 S. Main St., around 7:30 p.m. Thursday. They then set the remaining clothing in the drop box on fire, before fleeing the area.

Walden said that he was able to identify Brooks after viewing the surveillance video Thursday evening. Brooks was arrested at 10:15 p.m. that night.

“He was still wearing the same shirt that he was wearing in the video,” Walden said.

After interviewing Brooks, Walden learned that the items were at Casey’s residence on South Road.

A search warrant was issued, and investigators were able to recover a white dresser that had been previously donated at the We Care store.

“We were unable to identify any other items due to the condition of the residence,” Walden said. “At this time, we only have one item recovered, but we’re still looking into where the other items might have been taken.”

Walden said that Brooks did not give a reason why the group committed the theft and arson.

APD Officer Isaac Lopez arrested Casey at 4 a.m. Friday morning on an unrelated DUI charge, Walden said. As of Friday afternoon, Walden had not had an opportunity to interview her.