Albany man subdues intruder suspect for police

ALBANY — An East Albany man on Wednesday confronted a potential burglar, and when he wouldn’t leave the premises, subdued him and held him for police.

William Lukes told officers of the Dougherty County Police Department that shortly before 9 p.m. a man later identified as Michael Thomas Crews, 40, came and knocked loudly at his home in the 300 block of Pryor Street, then stood in the yard screaming racial slurs and causing a disruption.

In an attempt to scare away the intruder, Lukes told police he brought a gun outside and fired one shot into the ground. When the man refused to leave, Lukes, 60, gave his wife the gun and asked her to call police, Lukes stated, and began to wrestle with Crews and hold him until officers arrived.

“At this time we believe that Mr. Crews was affected by alcohol and very possibly drugs, and that this was a case of mistaken location and identity,” said Capt. Jason Hagar with the DCP.

Hagar added that while Crews is said to have been making racial slurs and comments, both he and Lukes are white.

Crews is charged with simple battery, terroristic threats and acts, and burglary in the first degree, and on Thursday was held without bond at the Dougherty County jail.

While the incident had a happy ending for the homeowner, Hagar urges that in similar circumstances, residents should notify law enforcement and not take chances with their safety.

“Everyone has the right to defend themselves and their property,” Hagar said, “But that should be a last resort. For an incident like this one it’s best to stay inside and lock the door, then call us and let us handle it. Don’t put yourself at risk. This is what we’re trained for.”