Six Arrested in Columbus Air Conditioning Unit Theft Ring
COLUMBUS, Ga. — Police have arrested six individuals in connection with a series of air conditioning unit thefts impacting homes, businesses, and churches across the city, according to the Columbus Police Department.
Investigators with the Property Crimes Unit began looking into the cases after noticing an increase in thefts starting in February. Authorities said the suspects targeted HVAC units for their metal components, which were later sold to recycling facilities for relatively small amounts of money, despite causing thousands of dollars in damage per incident.
Detectives linked the group to 16 separate incidents and filed a total of 35 charges.
Those arrested include:
- Ronald Waters, 44 — Theft by Taking (Felony) x2, Criminal Damage to Property, Possession of Tools
- Michael Clay, 33 — Theft by Taking (Felony) x8, Criminal Damage to Property x5
- Lawrence Mark, 39 — Theft by Taking (Felony) x4, Possession of Tools x3
- Wade Daniel, 52 — Theft by Taking (Felony) x4
- Larry Golden, 62 — Theft by Taking (Felony) x2, Criminal Damage to Property, Possession of Tools
- Daquan Martinez, 32 — Theft by Taking (Felony) x2, Criminal Damage to Property
Police said the thefts occurred in several areas, including Victory Drive, Oakland Park, Wynnton Road, Floyd Road, and Buena Vista Road.
Officials said the crimes have left victims without essential cooling systems and facing costly repairs.
The investigation remains ongoing.
