“”Probably doesn’t even meet the Georgia standard of felony theft.””
You’re probably right but he’d already committed felony burglary simply by entering a private residence. I personally think he grabbed the hammer as weapon. He knew he’d been spotted and took off running. I believe others have said he was a two timer and this would be a third. That I haven’t confirmed but could explain the extremes he took not to be stopped.
Let him run. Let him run all the way home. Call the cops. Give them all the evidence like videos, etc. Start a neighborhood watch club and keep an eye out for him next time.
If he breaks into someone's house when there are people at home, he's paid for, at least that's the case in my state and I would assume also in Georgia.
Don't never, ever pursue a thief. Justice will catch up with him in time and in the meanwhile one can go buy a new framing hammer.
Don't never, ever pull a gun on nobody except in defense of one's life or home, or that of a family member.
Go playing Rambo and hsit like this happens. I'm sorry for Mrs. McMichael.