Man Arrested for Violent Home Invasion That Left 85-Year-Old Victim Injured in Coffee County

COFFEE COUNTY, GA — The Coffee County Sheriff’s Office has arrested 21-year-old Jonathan Tucker in connection with a violent home invasion that left an 85-year-old man injured inside his home Friday morning.

Deputies responded to the residence on October 17, 2025, after receiving a report of an assault. When they arrived, they found the elderly victim suffering from visible injuries to his wrist, leg, and neck, and blood was seen on the floor and surrounding furniture.

The victim told investigators that his attacker was a man he recognized, Jonathan Tucker, who had done yard work for him about a year earlier. Earlier that same week, the victim said he ran into Tucker at a local gas station, where Tucker demanded $600, claiming the victim owed him unpaid wages. The victim told Tucker he didn’t have the money.

On Friday, Tucker allegedly returned to the home, knocked on the door, and then forced his way inside, attacking the man. After the assault, the victim positively identified Tucker as the suspect from a photograph shown by investigators.

Detectives from the Criminal Investigative Division, working with agents from the Georgia Bureau of Investigation (GBI), tracked Tucker to another residence. Despite his denial of knowing the victim and an attempt to provide a false alibi, investigators say evidence from the scene and witness statements clearly linked him to the crime.

Tucker was arrested on October 20, 2025, and booked into the Coffee County Pre-Trial Detention Center without incident.

He now faces several felony charges under Georgia law, including:

• Kidnapping with Injury (O.C.G.A. 16-5-40)
• Home Invasion in the First Degree (O.C.G.A. 16-7-5)
• Aggravated Assault (O.C.G.A. 16-5-21)
• Felony Theft by Taking (O.C.G.A. 16-8-2)

If convicted, Tucker could face life in prison, significant fines, and other penalties as determined by the court.

In a statement, Sheriff Doyle Cole thanked the GBI and the investigators who helped quickly identify and capture the suspect.

“This case is a strong example of what teamwork between agencies can accomplish,” Sheriff Cole said. “We’re grateful that the victim is receiving care and that the individual responsible is now in custody.”

The investigation remains active, and authorities say additional details may be released as the case progresses.