2 Bay Minette men arrested Jan. 16 on burglary, theft, breaking/entering and drug charges

Published 2:19 pm Friday, January 17, 2025

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Two Bay Minette men were arrested Jan. 16 on burglary, theft, breaking and entering and drug charges, according to the Atmore Police Department.

Hayles

Chief Chuck Brooks said in a release that Joseph E. Hayles, 29, and Dalton G. Patterson, 29, have been charged with burglary III, theft of property I, five counts of breaking and entering a vehicle and possession of a controlled substance.

Brooks said on Jan. 14, officers with the APD discovered at an undisclosed area used by the department, a gate damaged where property used to assist citizens during hurricanes and other weather-related events, was burglarized and items stolen.

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“After further examining the area, it was discovered a military Humvee and additional items used by the police department were stolen. An investigation immediately ensued,” Brooks said.

Brooks said in the early morning hours of Thursday, officers were alerted that the suspects were back on the property. He added that officers were able to detain a vehicle at the location occupied by two men.

“One of the men was immediately arrested, and the other fled on foot,” he said. “The Alabama Department of Corrections Prison Dog Team assisted Atmore police by tracking the wanted male on foot. Officers did not apprehend the male due to the dogs losing scent of the track. The investigation led officers to Baldwin County, where the items stolen on Jan. 14 were recovered.”

Brooks said Hayles and Patterson face additional charges in Baldwin County.

“The Atmore Police Department wishes to thank the Alabama Department of Corrections Dog Tracking Team, the Monroe County Sheriff’s Department, (U.S.) Department of Homeland Security and the Baldwin County Sheriff’s Office for their assistance,” he said.