Suspect in Winder crime spree behind bars

Authorities had been seeking Waylon Robert Westbrooks, 17, of Kirby Circle in Braselton after he was identified as the perpetrator in several entering auto incidents and an early morning vehicle theft from a Winder subdivision.

Westbrooks is suspected of committing a series of car break-ins Monday night on Buena Vista Street and St. Ives Circle in Winder. According to police reports, the suspect acquired a large caliber handgun from one of the vehicles.

After Westbrooks and an unidentified accomplice were observed breaking into a vehicle, Westbrooks fled the scene.

Westbrooks then allegedly stole a 2006 F-150 truck from a Shenandoah Lane address. The vehicle was later involved in a serious motor vehicle accident on I-85 in Jackson County.

The accident, currently under investigation by the Georgia State Patrol, involved two tractor-trailers. The drivers of both vehicles were transported to area hospitals. An update on their condition was unavailable as of press time.

Westbrooks reportedly fled the accident scene and attempted to steal a vehicle from Hurricane Shoals Park. Westbrooks is also the primary suspect in a burglary of the guard shack at the park.

After unsuccessfully attempting to steal the vehicle at the park, Westbrooks reportedly stole a pickup truck from a residence near the accident scene.

Westbrooks drove the stolen pickup to Banks County where he abandoned it after stealing tools from the vehicle.

Westbrooks was apprehended after a pawn shop owner in Commerce noticed Westbrooks stealing money from the store cash register. As Westbrook fled the scene, the pawn shop owner made note of the license plate on Westbrooks' vehicle and called police.

Lt. Harmon of the Commerce Police Department said officers apprehended Westbrooks a short time later at a nearby gas station.

Westbrooks was turned over to the Jackson County Sheriff's Department for questioning.

According to Chief Deputy David Cochran of the Jackson County Sheriff’s Office, Westbrooks is facing numerous charges in Jackson County including theft by taking of a motor vehicle, criminal attempt to commit motor vehicle theft and burglary. Cochran said there is a possibly Westbrooks may face additional charges.

Cochran said Westbrooks admitted to the crimes upon questioning. Investigators have not yet determined a motive in the crimes.

Westbrooks is currently being held in the Jackson County jail. Cochran said Westbrooks will be held until the Jackson County charges are disposed of or until he makes bail. Westbrooks will then face charges in Winder. Cochran advised charges may also be pending from the Commerce Police Department and the Georgia State Patrol.