Seven Arrested in Statesboro Following Search Warrant and SWAT Operation
On Friday, November 15, 2024, at approximately 4:30 a.m., Statesboro Police Department (SPD) officers responded to an apartment complex in the 700 block of Georgia Avenue for a report of forced entry involving a vehicle. Suspecting the culprits were nearby, SPD and Georgia Southern University Police Department (GSUPD) officers patrolled the surrounding area.
Two males were spotted by GSU officers on Lanier Drive near GATA Drive. When officers attempted to contact them, both fled. One individual, initially observed carrying a firearm, entered an apartment in the 100 block of Lanier Drive.
Officers surrounded the apartment and called for the occupants to exit, but no one complied. Detectives secured a search warrant, and SPD’s SWAT team cleared the residence. Seven individuals were detained.
During the search, officers discovered approximately five pounds of marijuana, three firearms—one confirmed stolen during a November 7 vehicle break-in on Southern Court—and additional stolen property from another vehicle break-in on Georgia Avenue.
The following individuals have been charged:
- Ja’shon Branch (17, Twin City, GA): Possession of Marijuana with Intent to Distribute, Possession of a Firearm During the Commission of a Crime, Tampering with Evidence.
- Elijah Wells (19, Bay St, Statesboro): Two counts of Entering Auto, Tampering with Evidence, Possession of Marijuana (misdemeanor).
- Jellant Walker (24, Swainsboro, GA): Tampering with Evidence, Possession of Marijuana (misdemeanor).
- Ashlee Lambert (19, Lanier Drive, Statesboro): Tampering with Evidence, Possession of Marijuana (misdemeanor).
- Tatiana Hill (19, Augusta, GA): Possession of Marijuana (misdemeanor).
- Makayla Hampton (19, Washington, GA): Possession of Marijuana (misdemeanor).
- Tymarion Jackson (18, Old Pond Lane, Statesboro): Possession of Marijuana (misdemeanor).
Investigations into the recent vehicle break-ins in the Lanier Drive area are ongoing, and additional arrests are expected.
Anyone with information is urged to contact Senior Detective Keith Holloway at 912-764-9911 or submit an anonymous tip at statesboropd.com through the “Submit a Tip” link.
