Man Arrested After Stealing Two Vehicles Across Northeast Georgia Counties

STEPHENS COUNTY, Ga. — A Dahlonega man is behind bars after deputies say he stole two vehicles in separate counties before being arrested Saturday morning following a coordinated multi-agency response.

On Saturday, February 21, Stephens County Sheriff’s Office deputies responded to a report of a stolen vehicle from a residence on Providence Lane near Freedom Drive in Martin. Around 8:50 a.m., a caller reported their Dodge Durango had been taken overnight.

Deputies began investigating, and just minutes later, at approximately 8:58 a.m., the stolen Durango was detected by a FLOCK license plate reader in Franklin County heading toward Royston.

Second Stolen Vehicle Discovered

While Franklin County authorities searched for the Durango, Stephens County deputies noticed what appeared to be a disabled vehicle near the original residence. The vehicle, a white Volkswagen Jetta, was soon confirmed to have been stolen out of Athens-Clarke County.

The Jetta was impounded as part of the investigation.

Traffic Stop Leads to Arrest

At approximately 10:30 a.m., officers with the Franklin Springs Police Department located the stolen Dodge Durango and conducted a traffic stop. Deputies with the Franklin County Sheriff’s Office assisted at the scene, and the driver was taken into custody without incident.

The suspect was identified as Jonathan Jordan, 25, of Dahlonega. Stephens County deputies transported Jordan to the Stephens County Jail. The Durango was recovered and later returned to its owner.

Investigation Findings

Investigators determined Jordan allegedly stole the Volkswagen Jetta after leaving a homeless shelter in Athens. After running out of gas, he abandoned the Jetta near Providence Lane and Freedom Drive, where he then allegedly stole the Dodge Durango, which deputies say had been left unlocked with the keys inside.

Jordan now faces charges of felony theft by taking and driving without a license. Authorities say he also has an outstanding warrant for theft by taking from Athens-Clarke County. He remains in custody awaiting a bond hearing.

Sheriff Rusty Fulbright reminded residents to take precautions against vehicle thefts.

“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.

The sheriff’s office credited deputies and partner agencies, including the Franklin Springs Police Department, Franklin County Sheriff’s Office, and Athens-Clarke County Police Department, for the swift recovery of both vehicles and the suspect’s arrest.