Michael Lewis

A Huntsville man detained and released by Athens police Tuesday was later convinced to return to the police department where he was charged with burglary, an official said.

Capt. Trevor Harris said Police Chief Floyd Johnson was driving on Pepper Road Tuesday when he noticed a suspicious vehicle in the driveway of a home. He detained the driver, identified as 34-year-old Michael Lewis.

Harris said Johnson contacted the homeowner who told him Lewis was not supposed to be there. Lewis was barred from the residence and released.

A short time later, residents from another home on Pepper Road discovered they had been burglarized. Items reported stolen were observed by Johnson as being in Lewis’ vehicle during the earlier encounter.

“Detectives spent the afternoon searching for Lewis,” Harris said. “They were finally able to reach him by phone and he agreed to come to Athens Police Department Tuesday afternoon.

Detective Kelly Fussell interviewed Lewis and subsequently charged him with one count of third-degree burglary. He was booked at the Athens Police Department and placed in the Limestone County Jail.

Lewis was later released on $2,500 bond.