Several vehicle thefts leads to arrest and one fugitive
James Adrian Kennedy, 32, Douglas GA
Coffee County, GA — Deputies with the Coffee County Sheriff’s Office responded to two separate reports of vehicle theft on Thursday.
At approximately 2:00 p.m., deputies were dispatched to Highway 32 West after a Chevrolet Tahoe was reported stolen. Shortly thereafter, deputies responded to Donnie Harper Road regarding an attempted theft of a Ford Ranger. The suspects fled after being confronted by the property owner.
Initial reports indicated the suspects were operating a rollback tow truck and a dark-colored vehicle. The Chevrolet Tahoe was successfully stolen from the Highway 32 West location.
During the investigation, detectives learned that two suspects had contacted an out-of-county junkyard in an attempt to sell both the stolen Tahoe and the Ford Ranger for cash. The business, acting in good faith, was unaware the vehicles were stolen and later alerted authorities after a second meeting was arranged for Saturday, November 8, at 9:00 a.m.
Detectives from the Coffee County Sheriff’s Office Criminal Investigation Division (CID), working in coordination with the Douglas Coffee Drug Unit (DCDU) and the Drug Interdiction and Criminal Enforcement (D.I.C.E.) Unit, conducted a planned operation at the scheduled meeting location.
During the operation, investigators arrested James Adrian Kennedy as he attempted to sell a vehicle not belonging to him. The Chevrolet Tahoe was recovered and returned to its rightful owner. Kennedy has been linked to three separate incidents involving stolen or attempted stolen vehicles.
James Adrian Kennedy currently faces the following charges:
Theft by Taking (Motor Vehicle)
Criminal Attempt
Theft by Deception
The investigation remains ongoing. Tomas Simpson is currently wanted in connection with these incidents. Additional charges may follow as the investigation continues.
Anyone with information regarding the whereabouts of Tomas Simpson or any details related to these cases is urged to contact the Coffee County Sheriff’s Office Criminal Investigation Division at 912-384-4224 or submit an anonymous tip through the Coffee County Sheriff’s Office App.