This is an update to a Grice Connect early Friday morning story regarding police securing an apartment complex following an armed suspect incident.
An early-morning entering auto report on Georgia Avenue led to a significant law enforcement operation Friday, resulting in the detention of seven individuals and the recovery of stolen items, drugs, and firearms.
At approximately 4:30 a.m. on November 15, Statesboro Police Department (SPD) officers responded to an apartment complex in the 700 block of Georgia Avenue following a report of forced entry into a vehicle. Believing the suspects might still be nearby, SPD and Georgia Southern University Police Department (GSUPD) officers patrolled the area.
Two males were spotted walking on Lanier Drive near GATA Drive by GSU officers. When approached, the suspects fled, with one individual, visibly armed, entering an apartment in the 100 block of Lanier Drive.
Officers surrounded the residence and attempted to call out its occupants but were unsuccessful. SPD detectives obtained a search warrant, and the department’s SWAT team cleared the apartment. Seven individuals were detained during the operation.
A search of the residence uncovered approximately five pounds of marijuana, three firearms—one of which was linked to a recent vehicle break-in on Southern Court—and other stolen property connected to an entering auto incident on Georgia Avenue.
The following individuals were charged:
- Ja’shon Branch (17, Twin City): possession of marijuana with intent to distribute, possession of a firearm during the commission of a crime, and tampering with evidence.
- Elijah Wells (19, Bay Street, Statesboro): two counts of entering auto, tampering with evidence, and misdemeanor marijuana possession.
- Jellant Walker (24, Swainsboro): tampering with evidence and misdemeanor marijuana possession.
- Ashlee Lambert (19, Lanier Drive, Statesboro): tampering with evidence and misdemeanor marijuana possession.
- Tatiana Hill (19, Augusta): misdemeanor marijuana possession.
- Makayla Hampton (19, Washington): misdemeanor marijuana possession.
- Tymarion Jackson (18, Old Pond Lane, Statesboro): misdemeanor marijuana possession.
The investigation into recent vehicle break-ins in the Lanier Drive area remains ongoing, and authorities anticipate additional arrests.
Community members with information are encouraged to contact SPD Senior Detective Keith Holloway at 912-764-9911.
Anonymous tips can also be submitted through the SPD website at statesboropd.com via the “Submit a Tip” link.
