Macon man charged with burglarizing store that had closed to honor slain clerk

Bibb County authorities have charged one of three people they say broke into a store just hours after a candlelight vigil there to honor slain clerk Prakash Patel.

Just before 5:45 a.m. Thursday, a burglar alarm at the Gary Food Mart store near Bloomfield Drive and Williamson Road sounded after the metal back door was pried open.

Sheriff’s deputies swarmed to the store, where the 40-year-old father of two was shot to death early Saturday during an armed robbery.

One deputy chased down 28-year-old Antwaun Bernard Smith, who fell trying to escape, but two others who were inside the store when officers arrived got away.

Deputies fanned out to nearby streets, following a foot path through a field behind the store, but did not catch anyone else.

Smith, who has a Virginia Drive address, faces charges including burglary, possession of tools while committing a crime and probation violation. He was in the Bibb County LEC on a $1,850 bond, according to a Thursday afternoon release from the Sheriff’s Office.

Paramedics treated Smith at the scene, and officers also took him to the hospital to be checked out before taking him to the Bibb County Law Enforcement Center.

One deputy gave water to Smith, who was handcuffed in the back of the patrol car that was parked near the Sunoco gas pumps.

Store workers shared more bottled water with the officers, who thanked them for their kindness.

Wednesday evening, about 200 people lit candles in the parking lot in tribute to Patel, who was a friend to many in the neighborhood.

Hardened wax on the pavement marked where mourners had gathered hours before.

The store manager, looking tired and stunned, stood outside the front door early Thursday just as he had five days before when crime lab technicians were gathering evidence after Patel was killed.

It was too early to say if anything was taken from the store, which was closed Thursday for Patel’s funeral.

“Sorry for any inconvenience,” the sign stated on the front door.

Anyone with information in the burglary, or the killing of Patel, is asked to call the Bibb County Sheriff’s Office at 478-751-7500 or Macon Regional Crimestoppers at 877-68-CRIME, or 478-742-2330.

Writer Laura Corley contributed to this report

This story was originally published June 23, 2016 at 7:43 AM with the headline "Macon man charged with burglarizing store that had closed to honor slain clerk."