Home Invasion Thursday Near Cornelia Results in Quick Arrest

HABERSHAM COUNTY, Ga. – An elderly Cornelia woman initially thought a family member had entered her home around 8 a.m. Thursday, but after calling out a second time, she realized a man had forced his way into the residence just outside the city limits on East Walnut Street.

The man fled through the front door after the resident yelled at him to leave.

Habersham County Sheriff’s Office deputies responded and found damage indicating forced entry through the back door. Cornelia police officers provided immediate mutual aid, helping deputies match an image of the suspect from a camera at the home with neighboring video showing the man running down East Walnut Street.

The video showed the man running only two minutes before a Ford pickup truck traveled along the road.

Deputies located the truck at a nearby residence and received permission from the homeowner to search the property. Joshua Adam Doster, 49, whose address is listed as Lawrenceville, was found hiding behind clothing in a closet.

Doster initially refused to place his hands behind his back when officers attempted to handcuff him, resulting in an obstruction charge.

He also faces burglary and criminal trespass charges in connection with the forced entry.

Doster was booked Thursday into the Habersham County Detention Center in Clarkesville. No injuries were reported.

“We appreciate the hard work and dedication of our deputies, as well as the quick response of the Cornelia police officers, in bringing this case to quick resolution through an arrest,” Sheriff Robin Krockum said.