Men In 'Suspicious Van' Investigation Address Accusations

ROSWELL, GA — The two men who were traveling in a van that was the center of an investigation into a "suspicious" vehicle lurking in Roswell parking lots are clearing the air about their movements in the city.

Roswell police spokesperson Lisa Holland said the two men, who are self-employed mobile scratch and dent repairmen, came to the agency Jan. 16 to speak with investigators on their own volition after learning they were the subject of an investigation.

Roswell police were looking into at least four reports of a light-colored van roaming shopping center parking lots. One of those reports alleged the van followed a teenager who was walking to her vehicle.

Both men said they became aware of the media coverage Wednesday morning after one report showed photographs of the van in question.

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"They described looking for work and meeting clients in retail shopping center," Holland said.

Both men, who Holland said are local, said they came forward to clarify the reason why they were in multiple parking lots speaking with citizens. Holland added detectives informed the men that their activities "have caused alarm." She said they were also told not to solicit for their business.

However, Roswell police received no reports of criminal activity or violations of the city's ordinances relating to these incidents. At this time, Holland said no criminal charges will be filed.

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