Taylor County deputies say a vacant house on S.B. Eubanks Road in Reynolds did not just spring a leak, it lost its entire metal roof. The startling theft was reported on the morning of June 4, and investigators moved quickly, zeroing in on suspects within hours. One man is now under arrest while the sheriff’s office keeps working the case.
Investigators arrested Jason Childree of Butler and charged him with theft by taking, burglary, criminal trespass and criminal property damage, according to WSB‑TV. Deputies say the missing roof was reported at about 9:45 a.m. on June 4, and they treated the vacant property on S.B. Eubanks Road like a full crime scene, processing it for evidence. Authorities say three additional suspects have been identified and that warrants are being obtained.
Sheriff John Sawyer did not mince words about how strange the case is. He called it one of the oddest he has handled in more than three decades on the job, saying, “In my 35‑year law enforcement career, I have never seen anyone steal the roof off of a house.” Sawyer also credited Chief Investigator Matt Binkley and Major Chad Payne for their work in tracking down suspects and moving the case along quickly, according to WFTV.
Investigation moved quickly
The sheriff’s office says persistent investigative work helped them largely crack the case in roughly 30 hours, guiding deputies to the people they believe stripped the roof. Sawyer also delivered a warning to would‑be thieves, saying, “Anyone who steals from the citizens of Taylor County can expect to be arrested and prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.” Officials say more arrests are expected, and the investigation remains active as deputies seek warrants and follow new leads, according to WSB‑TV.
Authorities have not said how the metal roof was allegedly removed from the vacant home and have held back additional details while the case unfolds. They say updates will come as suspects are arrested and charges are formally filed. Deputies are asking anyone with information about the theft to contact the Taylor County Sheriff’s Office, according to WFTV.
