The Fayette County Sheriff's Department is investigating the theft of a stereo system from Fayette Presbyterian Church on Ga. Highway 92 on Feb. 7, and several other thefts and burglaries, according to reports.

Lt. Mahlon Donald of the FCSD Criminal Investigation Division said that the system was valued at about $600, but there was no sign of forced entry at the church.

Another burglary occurred Feb. 11 at 1651 Ga. Highway 54 west, where thieves apparently broke a basement window to enter the home, Donald said. Items taken included a 25-caliber pistol, a VCR, assorted costume jewelry, two watches and some cash.

Donald added that "theft of services" charges may also be made against Charles Grady Hodges, 54, 140 Belle Drive, Fayetteville, following an incident Feb. 6 on Devant Street. Donald said Hodges refused to pay a Checker Cab and was subsequently arrested as a "pedestrian under the influence."

Also arrested Feb. 5 was Josh Michael Philmon, 17, 369 Adams Rd., following an incident which may have involved a fight between teenagers at a baseball field in Brooks, Donald said. Philmon was charged with fleeing and attempting to elude law officers after he drove his car out of the parking lot after being told to stop by a sheriff's deputy, reports state.

MIDDLE SCHOOL FIRE

A fire alarm call was answered about 4 a.m. on Feb. 9 at Flat Rock Middle School on Jenkins Road, according to Capt. Pete Nelms of the Fayette County Department of Fire and Emergency Services.

The fire started from an overheated coffeemaker atop a filing cabinet in the school's computer room, Nelms said, and was not serious. Some papers ignited, causing heavy smoke, but the fire was not intense enough to activate the school's sprinkler system, he added.

The fire caused only minor damage and did not disrupt classes.