Upon arrival, investigators observed each vehicle had broken windows, and items stolen included purses, wallets and electronics. They learned Waynesville Police Department officers were also conducting their own investigation into four car break-ins that occurred near the same time at the Waynesville Recreation Center. 

Waynesville officers were able to identify the suspect’s vehicle involved with the rec center break-ins and shared this information with the sheriff’s office. 

A Haywood County deputy located the suspect vehicle parked at the Motel 6 in Waynesville and noticed a woman, Bonnie Gail Bernard, 32, of Loganville, Georgia, standing near the car. As some investigators spoke with Bernard, others were searching the area and found several purses that belonged to the victims from the fitness center incident.

Bernard was arrested on nine counts of felony break or enter a motor vehicle, seven counts of misdemeanor larceny from a motor vehicle, seven counts of possession of stolen goods/property and nine counts of misdemeanor injury to real property.

Officials believe Bernard did not work alone, so they will continue to seek out the others involved. Investigators believe all parties are not locals.