1 captured in Lawrenceville serial auto thefts case, second suspect remains at large

LAWRENCEVILLE, GA– A long-term entering auto investigation by Gwinnett County Police has resulted in 49 criminal charges involving two suspects.

Bryon Hunt, 27, of Forsyth has been arrested, the Police Department said. Roy Higgins, 27, of Buford, however, remains at large.

The automobile thefts began on April 17, when a man reported that his vehicle was broken into on White Birch Way in unincorporated Lawrenceville. During the theft, his firearm was stolen. Shortly after the report, the case was assigned to a detective in the General Crimes Unit.

The lead detective discovered a series of entering autos in the area of Verner Road and Whitehead Place Drive.

On May 17, another victim reported that credit cards were stolen. The investigation revealed that those credit cards were used fraudulently at a local Wal-Mart in Lawrenceville. Detectives visited the Wal-Mart and obtained images of the suspects and a vehicle description of what they were driving.

On May 20, several more entering auto cases were reported in the area of Berkshire Eve Drive in unincorporated Duluth. Detectives discovered that the same suspects may be responsible.

On May 24, patrol officers located the suspect’s vehicle and attempted a traffic stop. The driver abandoned the vehicle and fled on foot. Inside the vehicle was a stolen firearm.

The lead detective obtained arrest warrants for both suspects. On June 30, Bryon Hunt was arrested at a home on Chablis Court in Lawrenceville. He is currently incarcerated at the Gwinnett County Jail, facing warrants for Entering Auto (13 counts) and Financial Transaction Card Fraud (11 counts).

Roy Higgins still remains at large. He has active warrants for Entering Auto (10 counts), Financial Transaction Card Fraud (10 counts), Obstruction (1 count), Improper Lane Change (1 count), Theft by Receiving Stolen Property (1 count), Possession of Marijuana (1 count), and Possession of a Controlled Substance (2 counts).

Anyone who has information about Higgins’ whereabouts is asked contact GCPD detectives at 770-513-5300.

To remain anonymous, tipsters should contact Crime Stoppers at 404-577-TIPS (8477) or visit www.stopcrimeATL.com. Crime Stoppers tipsters can receive a cash reward for information leading to an arrest and indictment in this case.