STAFF REPORT :::
Several arrests have been made by the Griffin Police Department in connection to entering auto cases.
According to a press release issued Monday, the first arrest was made Feb. 16, when officers of the Uniform Patrol Division responded to subjects breaking into vehicles in neighborhoods from Tupelo Drive to Forrest St.
Officers reported observing a suspect flee upon their arrival. After a brief foot chase, one juvenile was apprehended.
Authorities allege the juvenile possessed a handgun, more than two ounces of suspected marijuana and items believed to have been stolen from vehicles.
The juvenile was arrested and transported to the Regional Youth Detention Center (RYDC).
Despite a search of the area, no other suspects were located.
The GPD reports five confirmed entering auto cases were reported from the area that night.
Three other entering auto suspects were arrested Feb. 18.
Officials say officers assigned to the UPD apprehended two juveniles and one adult while in the act of breaking into vehicles.
The adult suspect is identified as Jeremy Lance Owens, age 17, who was transported to the Spalding County Jail.
The two juvenile suspects were transported to the RYDC.
Officials stated that whether locked or unlocked, it is illegal to enter another’s vehicle, yet stressed that residents are encouraged to take preventative measures such as removing or concealing valuables and locking vehicle doors to prevent entering auto victimization.
The press release further stated, “The Griffin Police Department would like to thank the actions taken by the citizens of Griffin reporting the activity. The GPD would also like to publically (sic) recognize the Uniformed Patrol Officers for their swift response and solid police work in successfully apprehending the perpetrators of these crimes. Unfortunately, sometimes these crimes are not reported immediately. As a result, important evidence can go undiscovered and the perpetrator may continue to victimize others. The Griffin Police Department would like to ask those who are victims of these crimes to report them.”