Police Link Three Suspects to Lawrenceville Car Break-Ins

Two men and one woman who were arrested in Cobb County have been linked to entering auto cases in Lawrenceville.

According to a news release from Gwinnett County Police spokesman Cpl. Jake Smith, Kenneth Jackson, 32, of Grayson; Brandon Graham, 26, of Gapson; and Tonya Evans, 25, of Gainesville, are believed to be connected to two vehicles that were broken into at Gold's Gym off Duluth Highway.

In the Lawrenceville incidents, which occurred March 21, the victims' windows were smashed and their purses were stolen. They told police later that their credit cards had been used to buy gift cards at different locations in the county.

After further investigation, officers found out that Evans had used one of the gift cards to check into a motel. At that point, Evans was already in custody in Cobb County for breaking into a vehicle and fraud.

Cobb County officers reported that Evans and two other suspects, Jackson and Graham, were observed breaking into a car at a gym in that county. The two men are also in custody.

Based on this information, Gwinnett County were able to link the three to the car break-ins at Gold’s Gym in Gwinnett last week. Evans has been charged with entering auto, financial transaction card fraud and identity theft, and charges against Jackson and Graham are under further investigation. 

In light of these incidents, Gwinnett County Police reminds the community on how to avoid a car break-in.

"Gyms and fitness centers, along with malls and retail centers, are frequently targeted by thieves," wrote Smith in the news release. "GCPD recommends not leaving any valuables in your vehicle when going to the gym or going shopping.  While inside the gym, items should be secured and locked in a locker. If valuable items must be left in the vehicle, they should be placed in the trunk before arriving. If a suspect sees a victim placing valuables in the trunk, it is a relatively easy matter for them to break a window and pull the trunk release.  Try to park in well-lit and well-populated areas. Due to the speed with which these crimes occur, car alarms are not always a deterrent."

The information in this article is based solely on police incident reports provided on request. It does not indicate a conviction.