First looting arrest made in storm’s aftermath

Officers with the Franklin County Sheriff’s Department made their first arrest for looting after security cameras caught a local man taking items from a store damaged by the April 27 tornado.

Chris Williford, 39, 195 Alabama 187, Hodges, was arrested this past Saturday and charged with third-degree burglary and two counts of second-degree theft of property, Franklin County Sheriff Shannon Oliver said.

According to Oliver, Williford is accused of looting a business in Hodges that was damaged when the deadly tornado ripped through Franklin County over three weeks ago.

Oliver said security video at the business caught Williford entering the business on May 3 and stealing a few smaller items before leaving the store and returning an hour and a half later with a pick-up truck to steal bigger items such as a generator.

Thanks to the surveillance video, the business owner recognized the vehicle Williford was driving at the time of the crime and was able to spot it when Williford drove through town last weekend.

Oliver said authorities were notified and followed Williford to Hackleburg’s park where he was arrested.

After further investigation and questioning on Monday, Oliver said Williford confessed to his involvement in the crime.

Williford is still in custody at the Franklin County Jail on a $25,000 bond.