Man Stole Radios From Vehicles At Car Dealership: Cops

WOODSTOCK, GA — A Woodstock man is accused of breaking into cars at dealerships in Cherokee County and Cartersville and stealing dozens of radios from those vehicles over the course of several months.

Detectives with the Canton Police Department have been investigating multiple reports of entering autos involving brand-new vehicle at Shottenkirk Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram at 200 Liberty Boulevard. These incidents, Canton police said, date back to the spring.

Investigators working the case were able to make a breakthrough when, following up on a lead, they found several online sales sites featuring items allegedly stolen from the vehicles, Canton police said. Chief Mark Mitchell said those items were radios police believe were taken from cars and SUVs at the dealership.

At 5 a.m. Friday, Canton police detectives, along with investigators from the Cherokee Sheriff's Office and Cartersville Police Department and agents with the Cherokee Multi-Agency Narcotics Squad, executed search warrants at a home in the 300 block of Quiet Hill Lane in Woodstock.

Investigators conducted interviews, and collected "numerous pieces of evidence directly linked to the crimes" and also found marijuana, cocaine and THC stashed away in the home, Canton PD added.

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Officers arrested Chad Lindsey Abell, 46, of Woodstock and charged him with 23 counts of entering auto. He's also charged with 11 counts of entering auto by Cartersville police, who connected Abell to 11 thefts of radios occurring Sept. 3-4 from new vehicles at the Robert Loehr Chrysler Dodge Jeep dealership.

Cherokee Sheriff's Office spokesperson Jay Baker said that agency investigated five reports of entering autos at Enterprise Rent-A-Car at 2340 Towne Lake Parkway in Woodstock. Arrest warrants show Abell has also been charged with those incidents, which occurred in May, July and September.

Police also charged Abell's son, 24-year-old Cole Tyler Abell also of Woodstock, with possession of marijuana less than an ounce, possession of THC and possession of cocaine.

“I commend our hard-working detectives for their commitment and diligence with this long investigation," Chief Mitchell said. "We are very grateful for these arrests and a safe and successful resolution was brought to these cases. Effort like this greatly strengthens the quality of life for our citizens and businesses we serve. We want to thank the Cherokee Sheriff’s Office, CMANS and the Cartersville Police Department for their vital assistance with this criminal activity."

Canton police note the investigation remains active, and additional charges are possible in the future.

Photo: Chad Lindsey Abell. Credit: Cherokee Sheriff's Office