Cornelia vape shop searched amid probe into man’s death

A vape shop in the Habersham Hills Shopping Center in Cornelia was searched by police as part of an ongoing investigation into the death of 22-year-old Maliki Crocker. Authorities say no arrests have been made and the case remains under investigation. (Patrick Fargason/NowGeorgia.com)

CORNELIA, Ga. — Authorities are investigating the death of a 22-year-old man and addressing rumors circulating in the community about a possible connection to a local vape shop, police said.

Cornelia Police Chief Jonathan Roberts confirmed to Now Georgia that a young man, identified as Maliki Crocker, died recently. However, he said information circulating online and through word of mouth about an arrest tied to the case is inaccurate.

“We have not made any arrests in the case,” Roberts said.

Police search shop

The investigation began after reports and rumors suggested a vape shop in Cornelia may have sold illegal products linked to the death. Roberts said officers executed a search warrant at a vape store located next to Tractor Supply in the Habersham Hills Shopping Center.

“What was rumored to be there was not located there,” Roberts said.

He added that the department’s drug enforcement officer is continuing to investigate the matter, and authorities are awaiting autopsy results to determine the cause of death.

Police emphasized that no charges have been filed and no arrests have been made as of now. Roberts said if the investigation establishes probable cause for charges, the department will release that information.