Store Clerk’s Vehicle Stolen, Suspect Arrested

Brian Stilwell

By Jessie Williams

A 38-year-old Lafayette man was arrested last week after allegedly stealing a car while the owner was working inside a local business.

According to the affidavit of complaint, filed by arresting officer Jake Ayers of the Lafayette Police Department, law enforcement was dispatched to the business at around 8 p.m. on April 1, 2025, in reference to a stolen vehicle.

The store clerk told Officer Ayers she walked into the store, located at 200 Highway 52 E., and within two minutes her 2025 Toyota Camry was stolen.

Security footage from the store was reviewed by law enforcement and other local agencies were advised to be on the lookout for the vehicle.

A deputy from the Macon County Sheriff’s Department had a visual of the Camry near Lafayette Mini Storage, but when contact with the driver was attempted, he took off on foot.

Approximately .25 miles from the abandoned vehicle, officers located the suspect, identified as Brian Stilwell.

The clothing and backpack worn by the male in the store video footage, were a match to the clothing and backpack Mr. Stilwell was wearing at the time of his apprehension.

He was taken into custody and charged with theft of property over $10,000, evading arrest, driving on a revoked license and seatbelt law violation.

Stilwell’s bond was set at $50,000, and he is scheduled to appear in general sessions court on

May 21, 2025.