Macon Police Arrest Suspect in Family Dollar Murder

Macon Police arrested 19-year old Antonio Browner of Macon in Spalding County Wednesday night.  Evidence recovered from the crime scene and tips from concerned citizens led to his arrest.

He’s accused of a fatal robbery attempt Tuesday night at the Family Dollar store on Houston Avenue.  Gary Cole, the assistant manager was shot and killed.

This is Browner’s fifth arrest since October 2007.  He’s charged with murder and criminal attempt to commit armed robbery.

Both the Bibb County district attorney, Greg Winters, and Macon Police Chief Mike Burns applauded the work of law enforcement officers in making a quick  arrest.

Winters said,  “MPD officers did an unbelievable job naming a suspect and making an arrest. Last night the officers started with no leads and no suspects, and within 24 hours put the suspect behind bars. Tips from the public played a key role in this case, but the hard work of MPD officers made the quick arrest possible. The citizens of Macon can be proud of the work of these officers.”

Burns also credited residents speaking out for information leading to the arrest saying, “I’m continually proud of my officers. They don’t stop until they solve cases. I’d match their solvability rate with any department’s. We appreciate the involvement of the citizens of Macon and of Spalding County for information that led to the arrest in a violent crime.”

The case remains under investigation.  Anyone with information may receive a cash reward.  Call 1-877-68-CRIME.