Man Taken Into Custody After Allegedly Trying To Steal Vehicle Containing Child

Man Taken Into Custody After Allegedly Trying To Steal Vehicle Containing Child

A man has been arrested after allegedly trying to drive away with a car that had a child inside.

At a Glance

  • Joseph Avram, 48, was arrested for allegedly attempting to steal a car with a child inside.
  • The child’s mother chased down the vehicle and confronted the suspect.
  • Multiple law enforcement agencies collaborated to apprehend Avram.
  • Avram was charged with kidnapping and theft by taking.

Mother’s Response To Car Theft and Kidnapping

On a seemingly ordinary evening in Holly Springs, Georgia, shortly before 8 p.m. at the Hop-in and Shell gas station on Holly Springs Parkway, 48-year-old Joseph Avram attempted to steal a car with a child inside. The mother chased after the vehicle and confronted Avram when he stopped. She reportedly dragged him out of the vehicle, prompting him to run off.

This incident highlights the importance of vigilance and the potential dangers lurking in everyday situations. It serves as a stark reminder for parents and caregivers to remain alert, especially when children are present in vehicles.

Swift Law Enforcement Response

Following the mother’s confrontation, Avram allegedly fled on foot towards nearby locations, including the One Stop Package Store and Pinecrest Motor Lodge. Holly Springs police and Cherokee County deputies quickly sprang into action, utilizing video footage to obtain Avram’s photo and description. The authorities’ efficient use of technology played a crucial role in the subsequent manhunt.

“We are incredibly grateful to our officers, detectives, and everyone who played a role,” the department stated. “Thanks to the teamwork between Cherokee County Sheriff’s Office, Woodstock Police, Atlanta Police, Fulton County Sheriff’s Office, and dispatch teams from both counties, we were able to catch the suspect quickly and safely.”

Law enforcement agencies demonstrated exemplary coordination, leveraging various resources to track down the suspect. They acquired Avram’s driver’s license information and phone number, using cell phone pinging technology to locate him near a Greyhound bus station in Atlanta. This strategic use of modern investigative techniques underscores the evolving nature of law enforcement in the digital age.

Collaborative Effort Leads to Arrest

The manhunt for Avram involved a diverse array of law enforcement tools and personnel. A police drone and the Woodstock Police Department’s K-9 unit were deployed in the search, showcasing the multi-faceted approach to modern policing. The collaboration between multiple agencies, including the Cherokee County Sheriff’s Office, Woodstock Police, Atlanta Police, and Fulton County Sheriff’s Office, proved instrumental in the successful capture of the suspect.

Atlanta police, acting on information provided by their Holly Springs counterparts, arrested Avram near the Greyhound bus station. This arrest not only brought a swift conclusion to a potentially dangerous situation but also demonstrated the effectiveness of inter-agency cooperation in combating crime across jurisdictional boundaries.

Legal Consequences and Ongoing Efforts

Following his arrest, Avram was booked into the Cherokee County Jail and charged with kidnapping and theft by taking. As of October 16, he remained in custody without bond, awaiting further legal proceedings. This case serves as a deterrent to potential offenders and reassures the community of law enforcement’s commitment to public safety.

Sources

  1. Woman chases down man who stole her car with child inside, rips him out of driver’s seat, police say
  2. Mother chases down car thief, rescues child in Holly Springs, police say
  3. Mother chases suspect after he steals car with child inside from metro Atlanta gas station