Arrest made in car dealership burglary case

Published 9:47 pm Monday, June 6, 2011

A Birmingham man is in custody tonight in connection to two burglaries in Clanton.

Demetric Lamond Chapman, 33, was arrested in Jefferson County June 3, 2011. He was wanted by Clanton Police Department for his involvement in the burglaries at Stokes Automotive on April 17 and May 8, and the attempted burglary at McKinnon Toyota on April 17.

The arrest stemmed from a 2 month long investigation by Cpl. Whitney Ray and Sgt. Cameron Bates of the Clanton Police Department. After a Hoover dealership was burglarized with similar characteristics the CPD began sharing information with other Detectives that had similar cases.

Capt. David Clackley was quick to give credit to those who helped out.

“Detective Keith Czeskleba of Hoover Police Department was a huge asset in giving us the break we needed,” said Captain David Clackley.

Clanton police found out about Chapman’s arrest Friday, and have already spoken with him about the case.

“The Marshal’s Service notified me Friday around 1 p.m. and advised that Chapman was in custody.” said Bates. “I have interviewed Mr. Chapman and he is cooperating with authorities.”

In addition, Bates said the stolen property has been located.

I have been able to recover approximately $10,000 worth of tools that were stolen from the Stoke’s Dealership and returned them to their rightful owner,” he said.

Chapman is currently incarcerated in Jefferson County Jail on similar charges from other counties. After he makes bond there he will be extradited to Chilton County to face charges here. He has a pre-set bond totaling $162,500.