COLUMBUS – The Columbus Police Department recently arrested a Piedmont, S.C. man for stealing a vehicle and other break-ins in Columbus.

Robert Earl Williamson, 53, of 111 Rosalee Drive, Piedmont, S.C. was arrested and charged with breaking and entering into two Columbus residences and for stealing a vehicle, according to Columbus Police Chief Chris Beddingfield.

On June 15, Columbus officers responded to a report along Beechwood Drive in Columbus, which revealed that a 2007 Chevy Cobalt had been stolen. Shortly after that crime was reported, Beddingfield said Columbus officers responded to a breaking and entering along Neman Drive in Columbus.

“Based on the evidence found at the scene, it was determined that the two incidents were related,” Beddingfield said.

Columbus police investigated and identified the suspect as Williamson, who was located and interviewed on June 26 in Greenville, S.C.

The interview led the Columbus Police Department to Anderson County, S.C., where the stolen Chevy Cobalt was recovered and returned to Columbus, according to police reports.

Columbus issued arrest warrants for Williamson on June 27 and he was arrested and taken into custody by the Greenville County Sheriff’s Office.

Williamson was still being held in the Greenville County, S.C. Detention Center as of late this week awaiting extradition to Columbus. Williamson will face two felony breaking and entering charges, felony larceny and injury to personal property, according to the Columbus Police Department.

Williamson is also facing unrelated charges in Greenville County, S.C.