It was a lot of bang for the buck, at least in terms of law enforcement activity. Two Palmetto women and a Jonesboro man were arrested Feb. 26 on multiple charges after Fairburn Police Officer Zack Phillips found them at a previously burglarized residence on Rivertown Road in possession of drugs, a weapon and a Clayton County law enforcement badge.

Thirty year-old Lisa Diane Pike, of Palmetto, was charged with criminal trespass, burglary, possession of marijuana less than one ounce, possession of drugs not in original container, possession of drug related objects and illegal dumping, said Fairburn Deputy Chief J. H. Midkiff. Also charged was 18 year-old Brittany Ann Pike, also of Palmetto, with criminal trespass and burglary, he said. A third person arrested in the incident was 29 year-old Jonesboro resident Rigoberto Ortiz, charged with criminal trespass, burglary, suspended license, possession of marijuana with intent to distribute, possession of methamphetamine, possession of a firearm during the commission of a crime, possession of drug related objects and theft by receiving stolen property, Midkiff said.

What was originally thought to be an attempted burglary two days earlier had been reported Feb. 26 by the owner as a theft of approximately $3,000 worth of household items. The arrests came after Officer Zack Phillips did a follow-up patrol at the 6900 Rivertown Road residence. As he arrived, Phillips found a Toyota Celica and a Ford Bronco parked on the east side of the house near the tree line. Apparently having spotted the police cruiser, the three went to the vehicles but were stopped by Phillips. A check of the residence after back-up officers arrived showed that a door on the west side of the house had been forced open, reports said.

During interviews with Ortiz and the Pikes’ officers were told that the three had heard that the residence was a location where they could secure antiques, said Midkiff.

A search of the Celica after the vehicles were impounded revealed a small amount of marijuana in a purse, 30 suspected Xanax tablets and five new syringes in a glasses case, Midkiff said. Lisa Pike told officers during a subsequent interview that the items belonged to her.

A search of the Bronco revealed 110.5 grams of marijuana, a small amount of crystal methamphetamine, numerous scales, walkie-talkies, cell phones, a Beretta 950 handgun and a gold badge and case belonging to a major with Clayton County Sheriff’s Office, Midkiff said.

The three were booked into South Fulton Municipal Regional jail.

Lisa Pike had an outstanding warrant for illegal dumping, according to police reports.

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