Update posted Mar. 31 at 6 p.m.:
The Clarkesville Police Department announced on Monday that three suspects have been arrested for the thefts and assault at a Clarkesville Package store.
Amiah Unique Lovett, 17 of Ruskin, FL, was arrested on charges of aggravated assault, burglary-2nd deg., felony shoplifting and robbery with force.
Ja’Naysia Nichelle Joyce Anderson, 18, of St.Petersburg, FL arrested for aggravated assault, burglary-2nd deg., felony shoplifting and robbery with force.
Jade Kinsley Stewart, 19, of St.Petersburg, FL arrested on charges of false name/date of birth, burglary-2nd deg., felony shoplifting and robbery with force.
CPD said additional charges have been taken by the City of Baldwin and the Habersham County Sheriff’s Office.
The investigation indicates that the suspects may have been involved in thefts in North Georgia and across multiple states.
More information will be released as the investigation continues.
Original story posted Mar. 30 at 8 p.m.:
The Clarksville Police Department is investigating a felony shoplifting case from a local business that led to the discovery of “several thousand dollars worth” of stolen alcohol Saturday night.
The department said in a release that officers responded to the Clarkesville Package Store at 6 p.m., where store employees informed authorities that three women entered the store wearing medical scrubs and facemasks and were stealing several bottles of alcohol.
As the suspects attempted to flee the scene, one of the women allegedly physically assaulted a store clerk by kicking him and striking him in the head with a bag containing a stolen bottle of alcohol. At the same time, another suspect got into a black Nissan Versan and reportedly swerved toward the clerk in the parking lot. The three suspects then fled in that vehicle.
Store employees were able to provide authorities with descriptions and the tag number of the vehicle, which led to a Habersham County Sheriff’s Deputy finding the suspect's vehicle driving near the Tom Arrendale Interchange. The deputy conducted a traffic stop, detained the occupants and impounded the vehicle for further investigation.
Later, a search of the vehicle revealed a large amount of stolen alcohol as well as illegal narcotics.
The department said investigators believe the suspects and contraband seized may be connected to multiple thefts in the region, including incidents in Baldwin and Toccoa.
The investigation is ongoing.
