HART COUNTY, Ga. — Two suspects are behind bars following a string of overnight vehicle break-ins in Hartwell.
Deputies were called to a home on Laurel Drive around 1:40 a.m. on October 9 after receiving reports of people breaking into vehicles. Several items were stolen, including a firearm, according to the Hart County Sheriff’s Office.
A short time later, deputies patrolling the area spotted two males on bicycles along Hardy Street wearing black hoodies and masks. When deputies stopped to question them, the pair ran. One suspect was caught nearby, and the other was taken into custody later that morning at a home on Lecroy Lane. Authorities said they recovered two firearms near where the men fled.
Investigators identified the suspects as 17-year-old Jermari Azuis Jackson of Homeland Park, South Carolina, and 18-year-old Dorian Rayshaun Cobb of Hampton, Georgia.
Jackson faces multiple counts of entering an auto, criminal attempt to enter an auto, and criminal trespass, along with charges of obstruction, possession of a firearm during the commission of a felony, tampering with evidence, loitering or prowling, and possession of a pistol by a person under 18. Cobb faces similar charges, including multiple counts of entering an auto, criminal attempt to enter an auto, criminal trespass, obstruction, possession of a firearm during the commission of a felony, and loitering or prowling.
Since the arrests, investigators have received additional reports of vehicle break-ins and attempted entries in the same area and are working to determine if they’re connected. Investigators said more charges are possible.
Hart County Sheriff Chris Carroll praised deputies and investigators for their quick response and thanked Hartwell Police for their assistance.
He also reminded residents to keep their vehicles locked, remove valuables—especially firearms—and report any suspicious activity immediately.
