Police chief stops two theft suspects at former fitness center

James T. Akagi

For the second time in a week, Oak Ridge Police James T. Akagi has helped arrest two suspects.

Last week, the chief tackled one of two men who fled from him in a car through Scarboro and then on foot.

This week, Akagi stopped a white van at the former Paragon Athletic Club on Emory Valley Road. In the back of the van, an apparent HVAC unit valued at $11,000 was visible through an open rear hatch, and it appeared to have been cut from the fitness center, Oak Ridge Police Department Officer Nathan Stinnett said in affidavits filed in Anderson County General Sessions Court.

“The white van also contained various burglary tools that appeared to have been used to cut the HVAC unit from the building,” Stinnett said.

One of the defendants, Robert G. Talley, 40, of Clinton, said he had taken the very large unit from the building at about 8:40 p.m. Monday, and the other defendant, David E. Daniels, 36, of Clinton, had helped him, Stinnett said. Damage to the building was estimated at more than $1,000.

Talley was charged with property theft of more than $10,000, possession of burglary tools, vandalism of more than $1,000, and driving on a suspended or revoked license.

Daniels has been charged with property theft of more than $10,000, vandalism of more than $1,000, possession of burglary tools, and possession of a narcotic for resale. Stinnett said Daniels dropped a white round tablet identified as acetaminophen and oxycodone hydrochloride, and he allegedly had several text messages on his phone that referenced the buying and selling of illegal narcotics.

Talley remained jailed Wednesday afternoon, and his bond has been set at $100,000.

Daniels also remained jailed, and his bond has been set at $50,000.

Both have court hearings scheduled for Feb. 19.