The Winder Police Department used the evidence gathered on surveillance tape to help identify the suspect in a series of commercial burglaries.

Detective Lt. Chris Stapleton was able to link Walter Adam Zagorski, 24, to the Oct. 9 and Oct. 17 burglaries at the Phillips 66 at 228 N. Broad St., and the Oct. 23 burglary at Winder Package Store, located at 178 N. Broad St. On Nov. 8, the suspect struck Phillips 66 again.

The suspect used the same method of entry – breaking out a front glass window with a hammer-type tool. He also used routes which allowed him to leave the business locations in a way to be undetected by the patrol unit which responded to the alarm calls, sometimes in a matter of minutes.

With the physical evidence, along with the video surveillance, Stapleton was able to build his case against Zagorski.

The suspect went to the home of his father’s best friend on Sunday and was creating a disturbance. Police were called.

Zagorski was apparently under the influence and threatening the homeowner. When his wife attempted to get him to come him, he struck her, resulting in family violence - battery charges, to be added to the criminal trespass and terroristic threats. An outstanding warrant had also been issued by Barrow County for Zagorski’s arrest.

Zagorski had left the area but was observed by law enforcement. With a very distinctive walk and squat seen in the surveillance tapes, Zagorski’s identity as the burglary suspect was confirmed.

A bond hearing was held Monday evening.