Dog Stolen With Running Car, Woman Arrested

HALL COUNTY, GA — Hall County Sheriff’s Office investigators have charged a Gainesville woman with theft by taking in a case involving a stolen dog and car.

Deborah Louise Whitehead, 47, turned herself in to face charges on Thursday, June 28, and was booked into the Hall County Jail.

Investigators had obtained warrants for Whitehead in connection with the Sunday, June 17, incident in the 4500 block of Union Place. Whitehead stole a Hyundai Elantra from the victims’ driveway. The victims’ small dog was in the vehicle, left running while the vehicle owner briefly went back into the home.

Braselton Police found the suspect and recovered the dog and car at a motel early Monday morning, June 18. Whitehead was then taken to Northeast Georgia Medical Center for evaluation.

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During subsequent examination of the case, Sheriff’s Investigators learned of a house burglary which occurred in the same vicinity and time frame as the Union Place crime. Because the burglary happened at an unoccupied home, the owner didn’t immediately discover the break-in.

The investigation revealed that prior to the car and dog theft, Whitehead had parked her own car in the garage/carport of the house in the 4400 block of Union Church Road. She entered the home by breaking a window and left the house on foot, eventually stealing the Hyundai on Union Place. Investigators believe the burglary happened on the night of Saturday, June 16, or early Sunday morning, June 17.

There are no ties between Whitehead and any of the victims. The motive in the crimes is unknown. Whitehead was charged with one count each of felony and misdemeanor theft by taking. She was also charged with second degree burglary. Whitehead’s bond was set at $18,000.

Investigators with the Hall County Sheriff’s Office continue to investigate the cases.

Photo courtesy Hall County Sheriff's Office