Richmond County deputies arrested three suspects late Tuesday night following a string of vehicle break-ins on Goshen Road.
According to the Richmond County Sheriff’s Office, deputies responded around 11 p.m. to reports of several vehicles being entered in the 1600 block of Goshen Road.
Deputies Agerton and Aaron Digiacomo reviewed surveillance footage that showed multiple suspects attempting to break into cars. Deputies Mashburn and Perez then canvassed the area and located a gray Hyundai Elantra parked nearby.
Inside the vehicle, deputies found a man, a woman and a juvenile pretending to be asleep. The trio matched the suspects seen in the video and were detained.
A search of the vehicle revealed a handgun and window punchers used to break car windows. Two of the suspects were also linked to prior theft and burglary cases involving stolen electronics and clothing.
CID Sergeant Steven Brown coordinated the collection of evidence, arranged for the suspect vehicle to be towed for processing, and secured warrants for entering auto offenses.
The suspects were identified as Jai’Quan Jenkins, 17, and Kayla Miller, 20, both committed to the Charles B. Webster Detention Center, and a 15-year-old juvenile who was taken to the Regional Youth Detention Center.
“These deputies exemplify the teamwork and vigilance we expect from our agency,” said Sheriff Gino Brantley. “Their quick actions helped remove dangerous individuals and a firearm from the streets. We also thank our citizens for calling 911 when they saw something suspicious. Together, we can continue making our community safer.”
The Sheriff’s Office noted that this was the second consecutive night with multiple arrests related to vehicle break-ins and curfew violations.
Officials cautioned that entering auto incidents often increase from late October through the start of the new year and encouraged residents to take safety precautions.
The department reminded residents to remove valuables from vehicles, lock car doors, and never leave firearms unattended in vehicles. Anyone who notices suspicious activity is urged to call 911 immediately.
