GEORGIA — A Georgia man is facing multiple felony charges after authorities say he stole two vehicles in separate counties Saturday morning.
According to the Stephens County Sheriff’s Office, deputies first received a report around 8:50 a.m. of a Dodge Durango stolen overnight from a home on Providence Lane near Freedom Drive in Martin.
About eight minutes later, the stolen Durango was captured on a Flock camera system in neighboring Franklin County. While Franklin County deputies were searching for the SUV, Stephens County deputies noticed a vehicle that appeared to be broken down near a residence connected to the investigation.
The vehicle, identified as a white Volkswagen Jetta, had also been reported stolen — this time out of Athens-Clarke County. Authorities had the Jetta towed to an impound lot.
Around 10:30 a.m., officers located the stolen Durango and conducted a traffic stop. Deputies with the Franklin County Sheriff’s Office assisted, and the driver was taken into custody. He was identified as 25-year-old Jonathan Jordan.
Investigators later determined Jordan allegedly stole the Volkswagen after leaving a homeless shelter in Athens. When the vehicle ran out of gas, deputies say he abandoned it and then stole the Durango before driving into Franklin County.
The Durango was recovered and returned to its owner.
Jordan remains in the Stephens County Jail awaiting a bond hearing on a felony charge of theft by taking and driving without a license. He also faces an outstanding warrant for theft by taking in Athens-Clarke County.
