Two men suspected in Warner Robins tractor theft in custody

BONAIRE -- Houston County authorities have taken a second suspect into custody in the theft of a tractor over the weekend in Warner Robins.

Authorities had been searching for the suspect for several hours in the Ga. 247 and Davidson Road area. He was taken into custody late Tuesday afternoon, said sheriff's Capt. Jon Holland.

Bonaire Middle and Bonaire Elementary schools earlier were instructed by authorities to take precautionary measures. But schools dismissed on time, school spokeswoman Beth McLaughlin said via email.

The precautions initiated by the schools included limiting access in and out of the buildings and locking classroom and exterior doors, McLaughlin said.

Sheriff's Lt. Dave Carrick said the stolen tractor was spotted about 11:15 a.m. being pulled by two men in a pickup. The driver stayed with the truck when pulled over by a sheriff's deputy, and the passenger fled into the woods, Carrick said.

Authorities used K-9 tracking dogs and a Georgia State Patrol helicopter in the search. The suspects were turned over to Warner Robins police, Holland said.

The driver, 47-year- old William Kay Jones, was charged with theft by receiving stolen property, and the passenger, 29-year-old Joseph Seth Sheriff, were charged with theft by taking, police said. The charges are felonies.

The Kubota tractor was stolen from a construction site near the intersection of Taylor Elaine Road and Mia Rae Court between Friday and Monday.

To contact writer Becky Purser, call 256-9559, or find her on Twitter@becpurser.

This story was originally published December 1, 2015 at 5:48 PM with the headline "Two men suspected in Warner Robins tractor theft in custody ."