PRESS RELEASE – Sunday morning, Stephens County Sheriff’s Office deputies received a report of a stolen vehicle from a residence on Providence Lane near Freedom Drive in Martin. At approximately 8:50 a.m., an individual contacted Stephens County 911 claiming their Dodge Durango had been stolen overnight. Deputies responded to the residence to take a report and begin tracking down the missing vehicle. At approximately 8:58 a.m., the stolen Durango hit on a FLOCK camera in Franklin County toward Royston.

While law enforcement officers in Franklin County were attempting to locate the missing Durango, SCSO deputies observed a vehicle that appeared to be broken down near the residence. They learned that the broken down vehicle, identified as a white in color Volkswagen Jetta, had been reported stolen out of Athens-Clarke County. The vehicle was then transported to the Stephens County impound lot by the on-call tow company.

Meanwhile, at approximately 10:30 a.m., Franklin Springs Police Department officers made contact with the missing Durango and conducted a traffic stop. Franklin County Sheriff’s Office deputies arrived, and the driver of the vehicle was arrested. SCSO deputies then transported the driver, identified as Jonathan Jordan, 25 of Dahlonega, to the Stephens County Jail. The Durango was also transported to the Stephens County impound lot and returned to its owner.

Throughout the investigation, deputies learned that Jordan stole the Volkswagen after leaving a homeless shelter in Athens. When he ran out of gas, he abandoned the Volkswagen near the intersection of Providence Lane and Freedom Drive before stealing the Durango and continuing into Franklin County. The Durango was unlocked with the keys inside when stolen.

“Vehicle thefts are more common in warmer weather, so please remember to remove important items, lock your vehicles, and take your keys inside,” said Sheriff Rusty Fulbright.

Jordan remains in the Stephens County Jail awaiting a bond hearing with a Stephens County magistrate judge for a charge of Theft by Taking (Felony) and Driving Without a License. He also has a warrant for Theft by Taking from Athens-Clarke County.
Special thanks to the SCSO A Shift deputies, City of Franklin Springs Police Department , Franklin County Sheriff’s Office, and Athens-Clarke County Police Department. The swift recovery of these vehicles and Jordan would not have been possible without their hard work.