By: Shayla Terry

Two men were arrested and charged with second-degree burglary after attempting to dismantle and rob the ATM of First Citizen’s Bank in Highland Home on May 2.

Douglas Hampton, 34, was charged with resisting arrest, second-degree burglary, possession of burglary tools, first-degree theft of property, and attempting to elude police. Ledarius Ollison, 25, was charged with third degree criminal trespassing, second-degree burglary, possession of burglary tools, first-degree theft of property, and attempting to elude police.

Crenshaw County Sheriff’s office responded to an alarm set off at approximately 12:30 a.m.

“They had actually sawed the door off of the machine when the ATM alarm went off,” Crenshaw County Sheriff Mickey Powell said. “Deputies Matthew Johnson and Joey Dickey were in the area, and arrived very quickly. When the suspects saw them, they took off into the woods.”Units from the sheriff’s office and the Luverne Police Department united to locate the men, as well as being aided by the county’s Conservation and Game officer Brad Givens and his canine unit.

The suspects parked their vehicle behind Highland Home Church of Christ and walked the just more than half a mile to the bank.

“Deputy Dickey found the vehicle hid behind the church, and he stayed with it,” Powell said. “When Givens brought the dogs, we were able to track them near the area where the vehicle was.”

Powell says while tracking the men, they found a black bag that contained a saw, blades, and a crowbar.

The men caused more than $4,000 worth of damage to the ATM.

“Thanks to Chief Johnson and his men, and Brad Givens for backing us up. We were able to get a lot more officers there to get them pinned down.”