MARTIN, Ga. — Authorities say a Dahlonega man left a homeless shelter in Athens and stole two vehicles in two counties before deputies caught up with him Saturday.
The investigation began around 8:50 a.m. on Feb. 21 when the Stephens County Sheriff’s Office (SCSO) received a report of a stolen Dodge Durango from a home on Providence Lane near Freedom Drive in Martin. The SUV had been taken overnight.
Minutes later, the Durango was detected by a FLOCK license plate camera in Franklin County, heading toward Royston.
As deputies worked to track the SUV, they discovered a second stolen vehicle near the Providence Lane residence — a white Volkswagen Jetta reported stolen out of Athens-Clarke County. Investigators later determined the suspect allegedly stole the Jetta after leaving the shelter.
Authorities say that when the Volkswagen ran out of gas, the suspect abandoned it near the intersection of Providence Lane and Freedom Drive. He then allegedly stole the Durango, which had been left unlocked with the keys inside, and drove into Franklin County.
Around 10:30 a.m., officers with the Franklin Springs Police Department located the Durango and conducted a traffic stop. The driver, identified as 25-year-old Jonathan Jordan of Dahlonega, was arrested and taken to the Stephens County Jail.
Jordan faces charges of theft by taking, a felony, and driving without a license. He also has an outstanding theft by taking warrant in Athens-Clarke County. He remains in jail awaiting a bond hearing.
Multi-jurisdictional effort
The Franklin County Sheriff’s Office and Athens-Clarke County Police Department assisted with the investigation.
“This was a quick recovery and arrest thanks to a multi-jurisdictional effort,” said SCSO Public Information Officer Rebekah Smith.
Stephens County Sheriff Rusty Fulbright urged residents to take precautions, especially as temperatures rise.
“Vehicle thefts are more common in warmer weather, so please remember to remove important items, lock your vehicles, and take your keys inside,” Fulbright said.
