One person has been arrested in connection with the vandalism and theft at a veterans' memorial park in Rockdale County.
On Wednesday, Rockdale County Sheriff Eric Levett said Wendell Tolbert was arrested several days ago after tips led police to Tolbert as a person of interest.
Levett said three to four suspects are being investigated, and he hopes to have those in custody before week's end. Arrest warrants are being issued for at least two of those remaining suspects.
Tolbert resides in Coweta County, and Levett said the crime's investigation has led police to other nearby communities and counties.
"This was a sad and terrible crime that touched a lot of hearts," Levett said. "Our theory is that the people who stole these items were going to sell them at a scrapyard."
We've since learned that the scrap heist may have been to get money for drugs.
Several items memorializing veterans were stolen from The Walk of Heroes Veterans War Memorial in Black Shoals Park when it was vandalized in December 2017.
During the vandalism, two bronze statues were ripped from their concrete bases and stolen, along with a globe and a plaque, according to authorities.
Levett said some of the stolen items have been found in a nearby lake, and dive teams are being prepared to recover more.
A picture that was released of the possible getaway vehicle helped immensely with the arrest.
Due to the weight of the objects that were taken, authorities believed multiple suspects are likely involved.
