St. Johns Christmas tree thief caught

He could run, but he couldn’t hide.

St. Johns County deputies have caught the man accused of stealing a Christmas tree from S.A.F.E. Pet Rescue.

The search for 51-year-old George Glenn Cockhren started back on November 25th, when he was caught on surveillance walking across the front of the building with a large boxed Christmas tree, which had been donated to the pet rescue. He took the box to his vehicle and fled.

The suspect was named about a month later with the help of a tip and an arrest warrant was issued for burglary and petit theft. He was caught April 1st in Duval County and is also being held for violating probation on a battery on a law enforcement officer charge.

Cockhren was brought to St. Johns County to face the charges Friday, according to the Sheriff’s Office.

Cox Media Group