FORSYTH COUNTY, Ga. – The Georgia Department of Public Safety Commercial Vehicle Division alerted the Forsyth County Sheriff’s Office (FCSO) to a suspected heavy equipment theft ring believed to be targeting a location in Forsyth County.

According to authorities, the scheme involved a suspect contacting a tow truck company and directing the driver to a job site, where heavy equipment would be loaded and transported to another location. Investigators said the tow truck driver was unaware the equipment was allegedly being stolen.

On Feb. 18, the Department of Public Safety notified FCSO’s North Patrol units that a theft was expected to occur that day. Deputies conducted surveillance at the targeted location.

Officials said the suspect traveled by taxi from Atlanta to Forsyth County. At the site, a skid steer was loaded onto a tow truck and preparations were being made to leave the area when deputies moved in and detained the individual.

Investigators determined that both the taxi driver and tow truck driver were unaware of any criminal activity and cleared them of wrongdoing.

The suspect, identified as 21-year-old Antonio Dozier of Conley, was taken into custody after authorities said he could not provide a reasonable explanation for his presence at the location or for arranging the transport of the equipment.

Dozier was charged with felony theft by taking and loitering and prowling. He remains in custody without bond.

The case remains under investigation.