Two people tried to break into a Forsyth County gun store by using a brick to break a window, but they had one major flaw in their plan, according to the sheriff’s office.
A deputy was already in the parking lot.
Devonte Minto, 18, of Lithonia, and his accomplice are seen on surveillance video trying to break into Johns Creek Indoor Gun Range in the 7700 block of McGinnis Ferry Road early Monday morning, the sheriff’s office said.
Credit: Forsyth County Sheriff's Office
Credit: Forsyth County Sheriff's Office
However, the brick set off the store’s alarm system, tipping off the deputy, who just happened to be doing paperwork in the parking lot of a nearby Publix, Channel 2 Action News reported.
The store’s general manager, Chris Sterling, said the duo stole a nearby church van to try to make their escape.
Deputies chased them in the stolen van until they crashed, forcing Minto and the other suspect to abandon it, Channel 2 reported. However, Minto allegedly had one last escape plan.
“(Minto) had fled to an abandoned house and had actually called for ride share to give them a ride, since they had wrecked the van,” Sterling said. “And when the Uber driver pulled up to the block, that’s when they were able to get the address.”
The other suspect remains on the run. No description of the suspect was provided.
Minto faces multiple charges, including burglary, theft by taking and possession of tools for the commission of a crime, sheriff’s spokesman Cpl. Doug Rainwater said. He remains in the Forsyth County Jail without bond.
Even though Sterling wasn’t in a laughing mood shortly after the attempted break-in, he’s now able to joke about it. He also plans on keeping the brick as a keepsake to remember the ordeal.
“This is my souvenir,” he said. “I’m going to frame it.”
Anyone with information on the at-large suspect is asked to contact the sheriff’s office at 770-888-7308.
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