TIFTON, Ga. – A local man has been charged with damage to city property after an attempt to steal a street sign as a present backfired.

Adam Hester, 18, of Chula, was charged on Sept. 22 after he was witnessed tying a chain to a stop sign and using a vehicle to pull the sign down in an attempt to take the road name sign. The sign bore the same name as his girlfriend and was intended as an anniversary present. The signs were recovered and Hester turned himself in to police, saying that it was a stupid mistake and that he is sorry and willing to accept the consequences of his actions. Damage to city property is a misdemeanor, and removing a stop sign could have serious unintended consequences should a motorist fail to stop at the intersection and an accident occur.

Also of note:

• Two more reports of vehicle burglaries were filed last week. The first incident took place at Olive Garden on Sept. 20, and two wallets and $620 in cash were taken. The second incident was on Sept 23 and the only thing taken was spare change. Both vehicles were left unlocked during each incident.

• A bag containing what has been reported to be cocaine was found at Tift County High School. Two janitors found a small plastic bag on the floor in the 300 hall. The bag contained a white powder, which field tested positive as cocaine. Security footage failed to show where the bag came from.

• A political campaign sign was damaged, seemingly intentionally, sometime between Sept. 19 and Sept. 21. The sign belonged to Ruenett Melton, who is running as the Democratic candidate for Georgia State Senate seat representing District 13. Located on Virginia Avenue, the sign was torn into three pieces and the metal stand was bent.