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Charged with attempted burglary, going armed to the terror of people

 

COLUMBUS—A Polk County man was arrested on Wednesday, November 13, after he was seen on surveillance footage attempting to enter a home on Smith Waldrop Rd. 

The footage shows the suspect trying to enter the home at approximately 3 a.m. on Monday, November 11, and then again at 6 a.m. In both attempts, the suspect was armed with a machete.

Deputies with the Polk County Sheriff’s Office later arrested Dustin Lucas McDowell, 22, of Columbus, who was charged with attempted first-degree burglary, second-degree trespassing, and going armed to the terror of people.

Neighbors of the residence describe the attempted break-ins as terrifying after seeing the footage, which allegedly shows McDowell entering the frame, displaying the machete, attempting to open the door, and then quickly running out of frame. The property owner, renter of the home, and neighbors were able to assist in identifying McDowell by sharing the surveillance footage with officials and on social media.

McDowell was booked in the Polk County Detention Center under a $70,000 secured bond.