MOULTON — Eyewitness accounts led to the arrest of a Morgan County man in connection with the recent burglary of a Lawrence County residence, officials said.

Matthew Ray Battles, 22, 78 Broad St., Falkville, is charged with second-degree burglary, second-degree theft of property and fraudulent use of a credit card, Lawrence County Sheriff Gene Mitchell said Thursday.

Investigators said Battles is accused of breaking into a residence on Lawrence 358, in the East Lawrence community.

He said investigators developed Battles as a suspect early in the investigation through eyewitness accounts.

“Witnesses gave a suspect description after the suspects were seen leaving the residence that was burglarized,” Mitchell said.

He said this is a prime example of how important the public’s role can be in helping law enforcement.

Mitchell said investigators positively identified Battles after a stolen debit card from the residence was used at an area business.

He said investigators located Battles on Wednesday where he was taken into custody and questioned.

Battles is being held in the Lawrence County Jail on bail totaling $4,500.

Mitchell said the investigation into the burglary is ongoing.

Tom Smith can be reached at 256-740-5757 or tom.smith@TimesDaily.com.