Crime & Safety

Police Catch Thief Red Handed

Two detectives were posted in positions which allowed them to observe the suspect and the matching vehicle as he pulled into the business complex.

An Austell man was caught red handed for auto theft this morning after set up surveillance on two downtown businesses.

Bimmer Tech and Dave’s Mechanics have had four incidents within the past 45 days. Detectives have been looking for a suspect driving a red Ford Ranger with an extended cab and a step-side bed.

“This morning, two detectives were posted in positions which allowed them to observe the suspect and the matching vehicle as he pulled into the business complex,” said Brittany Duncan, spokeswoman of Woodstock Police Department.

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Robert Lee Ray Sr., 37, was taken into custody at approximately 7 a.m. without incident.

“Detectives knew what kind of vehicle to look for and believed that it was just a matter of time and patience before the thief returned to take more property and victimize the businesses” said Lt. Kevin Culpepper, Commander of the Criminal Investigations Unit.

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Ray is charged with two counts of felony theft by taking, two counts of misdemeanor theft by taking, and four counts of loitering and prowling and is currently in the Cherokee County Adult Detention Center.


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