Off-duty trooper chases down teen suspects

ALBANY, Ga. — Young thieves didn’t count on running into law enforcement when they stole a bucket holding money from a preacher.

Anthony Rayner was collecting money in a bucket at Southgate Plaza for his church Saturday when two juveniles charged him, grabbed the bucket and ran from the 317 South Slappey Blvd. location, a police report stated.

Giving chase, the 56-year-old Rayner fell as he followed them toward Poplar Street. He didn’t know he had dedicated help.

“They dropped his bucket of money after they were confronted by an off-duty officer,” the report stated.

That off-duty officer was Daryl Benton, a Georgia State Trooper. He might have been off-duty, but he was on the case.

Benton “identified himself to the suspects and he drew his duty weapon on the suspects,” the report added. “They dropped the money and they took flight toward Poplar.”

All of Rayner’s money was recovered, the report stated. It did not say how much that was.

Rayner’s son declined to speak on the phone Wednesday night. He also said his father was not at home.

The two thieves were described as about 12 years old. One wore a white T-shirt and white shorts, while the other wore a red shirt and black shorts.

Anyone with additional information is asked to call Crime Stoppers at (229) 436-TIPS (8477) or investigations at (229) 431-3288. The Spanish-speaking APD-COP Tip Line is (229) 434-2677.