Suspect Almost Captured in Rash of Fire Station Robberies

LAWRENCEVILLE, GA — A police officer investigating a rash of robberies targeting on-duty Gwinnett County firefighters nearly captured a suspect in the case early Sunday morning.

At about 2:30 a.m. the Gwinnett County officer was checking the parking lot at a fire station on Collins Hill Road near Georgia Gwinnett College when he saw the suspect, authorities say.

But the suspect, described only as a male wearing dark jeans and a hooded sweatshirt, was able to run away.

That morning, vehicle windows were smashed and personal items stolen from parking lots of four Gwinnett County fire stations and one county-owned former station. They are:

• Station 5. Old Norcross Road near Breckinridge Boulevard
• Station 15. Downtown Lawrenceville
• Station 23. Steve Reynolds Boulevard near Meadow Creek High School
• Station 31. Georgia Gwinnett College
• Former Station 10: Russel Road at Ga. 20

In addition to the personal vehicles of firefighters, a county-owned pickup truck and a fire inspector's vehicle were broken into.

"Whether they occur at a fire station, shopping center or private residence, these nefarious acts have no place in our society," said Fire Capt. Tommy Rutledge. "Those responsible demonstrate a lack of respect for the personal property of others, especially those who are serving and protecting our community.”

Authorities say this was the second time this month that thieves appear to have specifically targeted fire stations.

Multiple vehicles at two separate fire stations — Station 9 at Five Forks Trickum Road in Lawrenceville and First Station 21 on Old Peachtree Road in Suwanee — were hit on Monday, January 2.

The fire department is encouraging all on-duty personnel to be mindful of valuables left in their vehicles and to keep their doors locked at all times.

Police also are performing extra patrols, Rutledge said.

"We are fortunate that the officer thwarted the crime at Fire Station 31, before items were physically taken or additional vehicles were entered," Rutledge said. "It’s only a matter of time before those responsible are caught."

Anyone with information about the fire-station break-ins is asked to contact authorities.

File photo courtesy Gwinnett County Fire & Emergency Services