Columbia man accused of burglary, stealing, property damage

Columbia police arrested 27-year-old Austin Sweet Thursday after serving a search warrent in the 1300 block of Westwind Drive.

Officers were investigating a buglary at Woodrail Association Country Club on Feb 26 in which multiple STIHL brand items were stolen among other tools and equipment.

“While offices were serving the search warrant, a red 1998 Ford F-150 with Missouri registration approached the residence but then suddenly turned around and went toward I-70 Drive Northwest,” said Officer Latisha Bruns. “The officers knew Sweet was associated with a vehicle matching that description. An officer conducted a traffic stop with that vehicle at 2500 I-70 Drive Southwest, La Quinta Inn and the driver was Austin Sweet.”

Officers said they saw the stolen tools in Sweet’s truck as well as xanax pills.

Sweet was arrested for misdemeanor stealing, felony possession of a controlled substance, second-degree burglary, property damage and felony stealing.