LAKE CITY, Fla. – A man was arrested after he was caught stealing a refrigerator from an abandoned home, said Lake City police.
Police arrested Philip Christie on Wednesday.
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Police said a passerby saw Christie, 44, with his truck backed up to a home in the 300 block of Southwest Columbia Avenue. The passerby told police Christie had the refrigerator in the doorway, ready to load it into his vehicle..
The passerby blocked Christie's vehicle in, and held Christie until police arrived.
Christie reportedly told police a neighbor had said the home was abandoned and he could go claim items. He then changed his story, telling police he was house hunting.
Police found tile and an electric motor in Christie's car. The homeowner said they had come from a shed in the backyard.
Police said Christie had used a wrench to pry open the shed and home.
Christie was charged with burglary and possession of burglary tools. He was booked on $20,000 bond.