Two arrested after leaving dog inside car during burglary

COWETA COUNTY, Ga. - Two people have been arrested after allegedly leaving a dog inside a hot car during a burglary at Orchard Hills Golf Course, according to the Coweta County Sheriff's Office.

49-year-old Michael Fabian Smith and 50-year-old Debbie Soules Smith, 50 were arrested after authorities reportedly caught them attempting to steal items from the former golf course.

A Sergeant was doing a security check when he noticed a van parked on a cart path. When he looked inside the van, he reportedly noticed a pit bull hot and panting inside. The van was not running, according to police.

The officer noticed a person inside the club shop, and a man crouching in the grass. The man allegedly ran back into the basement of the clubhouse, but eventually came out.

After more deputies arrived, they searched the building and found Debbie Smith hiding behind a washing machine.

She told deputies that someone had told the couple to pick up a John Deere tractor lift, valued around $7,500.

Both were charged with burglary, theft by taking, criminal trespass and animal cruelty.  They are currently being held at the Coweta County Jail on a $10,100 bond.