Police say Gwinnett County man arrested for string of auto thefts in 2023

Gwinnett County police have arrested Roy Higgins, a 28-year-old man wanted for a series of auto break-ins and thefts that occurred in 2023. The investigation into Higgins began on April 17, when a man reported his vehicle was broken into and his firearm was stolen on White Birch Way. The crimes continued for over a month, with more cases reported in unincorporated Duluth and Lawrenceville. Higgins and another man, Byran Hunt, stole credit cards and used them at a local Walmart, resulting in surveillance footage that aided in their identification. Hunt was arrested on June 30, and another warrant for Higgins’s arrest was obtained at that time. In total, Higgins and Hunt are facing more than 50 charges for their involvement in the crimes.

Detectives had been searching for Higgins for over eight months before his arrest on March 12 during a traffic stop on Lawrenceville-Suwanee Road. Higgins is facing charges including entering auto, financial card fraud, obstruction, improper lane change, theft by receiving stolen property, possession of marijuana, possession of a controlled substance, and a probation violation. Hunt, who was arrested earlier, has been charged with multiple counts of entering auto and financial transaction card fraud. The duo’s crime spree resulted in a string of incidents that caused concern in the community, leading to a targeted effort by law enforcement to apprehend them and put an end to their criminal activities.

The investigation revealed that Higgins and Hunt were involved in multiple incidents of entering auto and theft in various locations around Gwinnett County. Their criminal activities included breaking into vehicles, stealing firearms, credit cards, and other personal property, and using stolen credit cards to make fraudulent purchases at local stores. Law enforcement was able to track their movements and identify them through surveillance footage and other evidence gathered during the investigation. The arrest of both men marks a significant breakthrough in the case and will help bring closure to the victims of their crimes.

Residents and businesses in the affected areas were urged to be vigilant and report any suspicious activities to law enforcement to help prevent further incidents of auto break-ins and theft. The collaboration between the community, Gwinnett County detectives, and law enforcement agencies played a crucial role in identifying and apprehending the suspects responsible for the crimes. The arrest of Higgins and Hunt sends a strong message that criminal activities will not be tolerated in Gwinnett County, and law enforcement will take proactive measures to ensure the safety and security of the community. By working together and sharing information, residents can help prevent crime and support efforts to hold perpetrators accountable for their actions.

Gwinnett County police are continuing their investigation and are asking anyone with information that could help with the case to contact them at (770) 513-5300. The arrest of Roy Higgins and Byran Hunt has brought closure to the victims of the auto break-ins and thefts that occurred in 2023 and serves as a reminder of the importance of community involvement in combating crime. Law enforcement will continue to work diligently to ensure that individuals responsible for criminal activities are held accountable and that the community remains safe and secure. The swift action taken by authorities in apprehending the suspects demonstrates a commitment to upholding the law and protecting the residents of Gwinnett County from crime and criminal activities.