An investigation is underway after several vehicles parked at fire stations across Gwinnett County were broken into during the overnight hours Sunday.
"Thieves forcibly entered the vehicles of on-duty firefighters that were parked at their respective stations," said Gwinnett County police Sgt. Rich Long. "The fire stations involved are numbers 5, 15, 23, and 31."
Long identified the involved fire stations as follows:
- Station 5: Old Norcross Road near Breckenridge Boulevard
- Station 15: Downtown Lawrenceville
- Station 23: Steve Reynolds Boulevard next to Meadow Creek High School
- Station 31: Georgia Gwinnett College
An additional location, which Long described as a former fire station situated on Russell Road at Ga. 20, was also targeted.
"A county-owned vehicle parked at that location was entered," he continued.
No word was given regarding items that may have been stolen during the string of crimes.
Long said an unknown individual who may have been involved in the break-ins was spotted by firefighters at one of the stations, although the person escaped before being identified.
"A suspicious person was observed and chased on foot by county officers at Fire Station 31, which is across from Georgia Gwinnett College," he said. "That individual was not apprehended."
The incident is being investigated by county police, with assistance from fire personnel, and more information is expected to be released as it becomes available.
If anyone has relevant information in the case, they are asked to contact Gwinnett County detectives at 770-513-5300.
To remain anonymous, tipsters should contact Crime Stoppers at 404-577-TIPS (8477) or visit www.crimestoppersatlanta.org. You can also text your tip to "Crimes" (274637).
Crime Stoppers tipsters can receive up to $2,000 for information leading to an arrest and indictment in this case.
