SHEILA A. MATHEWS :::
Authorities say an alert officer of the Griffin Police Department thwarted a burglary early Wednesday morning while patrolling as part of the Uniform Patrol Division.
According to Lt. Mike Richardson, of the Criminal Investigation Division, Officer Taylor Rich’s actions are believed to have prevented a burglary at East Griffin Grocery Company located at 908 E. Solomon St.
“There was a white male who was observed trying to get into the East Griffin Grocery Store,” Richardson said. “It was about 6 a.m. and he was pulling on the door trying to get in and when he couldn’t, he became nervous and began pacing around.”
Rich then made contact with the subject, who provided no identification – only a name and date of birth.
“The officer ran the information the man gave him through GCIC (the Georgia Crime Information Center) as many different ways as he could, but it all came back invalid. When the officer then attempted to confront the man about the fact that he’d probably provided false information, he fled,” Richardson said.
Rich gave chase, but the suspect was able to elude apprehension.
A number of GPD officers – including a K9 unit – converged on the area and a thorough search ensued, but officers were unable to locate the suspect.
Anyone with information pertaining to this incident is asked to contact the Griffin Police Department at 770.229.6450.
The GRIP 
Another reason the Griffin Police Department is number one in this resident’s book! Congratulations on your quick actions, Officer Rich!