Gwinnett Duo Charged In Massive Car Break-In Operation

UPDATE: A previous version of this story incorrectly identified the suspects as two women.

MARIETTA, GA — A pair from Gwinnett County have been named as the suspects in a massive car break-in operation spanning 17 counties in the metro Atlanta area.

Elisha Ross, 25, and Ayana Forest, 22, both of Lawrenceville, are responsible for breaking into more than 161 vehicles at at least 44 locations since January, police said Monday. During that time, the two have stolen at least 40 firearms, according to police.

Cobb County Police detectives began an investigation in February after three Cobb County fire stations, four Smyrna fire stations and gun manufacturer Glock, Inc. were the scenes of overnight car break-ins. The detectives worked with the Federal Bureau of Investigation to eventually identify Ross and Forest as suspects.

Ultimately, they say they were able to tie the pair to entering-auto cases in Cobb County, Smyrna, Powder Springs, Acworth, Alpharetta, Cartersville, Douglas County, Forsyth County, Gwinnett County, Bartow County, Lawrenceville, Paulding County, Spalding County, Clayton County, Griffin, Henry County, Lamar County, Peachtree City, Rockdale County, Roswell, Social Circle, and Walton County.

Elisha Ross

On Thursday, the Cobb County Sheriff's Office fugitive unit, along with the U.S. Marshals Service, arrested Ross and Forest. Prior to the arrests, they'd served search warrants at two locations in Gwinnett County with the help of Gwinnett County Police.

The two have been jailed separately.

Ross is being held without bond at the Cobb County Adult Detention Center on charges including felony entering auto, violation of the Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act and burglary.

Forrest is being held without bond at the Gwinnett County Detention Center on the same charges. Police say more charges are likely against both women as the investigation continues.

Photo via Shutterstock