South Atlanta News

From January 10, 2023 post.

Media Advisory - Entering Auto Suspect in Custody

On January 7, 2023, at 11:16 p.m., Sector 3 Morning Watch Officers responded the 700th block of Summerchase Drive, Riverdale, GA in reference to a stolen vehicle call. The complainant reported he saw two males stealing his neighbor’s vehicle as he was returning home from work. A description of the vehicle (Hyundai Sonata) was given out over dispatch. While a second officer was responding to assist with the call, that officer observed a Hyundai Sonata fitting the description parked at the convenience store located at the intersection of Flint River Road and Thomas Road. As the officer attempted to investigate the vehicle, the vehicle fled the location. That officer continued to look for that vehicle and located it approximately a mile away abandoned and crashed into a tree.

During that investigation, officers found that the vehicle was in fact stolen, but even though it appeared to be the same vehicle, it was not. The vehicle had a different license plate, but ironically, it still had been reported stolen by another victim. That victim was located in the 700th block of Pointe South Parkway, Riverdale, GA. While this incident was occurring, officers from the City of Riverdale located the original Hyundai Sonata which was left abandoned near the intersection of Willow Way and Willow Court in Riverdale.

During the same shift on January 8, 2023, at 3:27 a.m., Sector 3 Morning Watch Officers went to the area of Dorsey Road and Flint River Road, Riverdale, GA to conduct a proactive detail in reference entering autos and car thefts. While in the area, officers observed three males walking and one of them was wearing a black ski mask over his face. As officers attempted to approach them, all three males fled on foot. All three males were taken into custody without incident.

Two of the males were juveniles (both 16) and their information will not be released. The third suspect is Dawson Haynes (17-year-old-male). During the course of the investigation, officers learned that these three individuals possessed gloves and a flathead screwdriver. They also learned the two juveniles lived within walking distance of the incident locations where the report of the stolen vehicle occurred. Dawson Haynes admitted to trying to open car doors in the area.    

Dawson Haynes were charged with Loitering and Prowling, Entering Auto – Criminal Attempt, and Obstruction. The two juveniles were charged with Loitering and Prowling, Curfew Violation, and Possession of Tools for the Commission of a Crime.

Thank you Sector 3 Morning Watch Crew!!!!

Original source can be found here.