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Suspected 'Blue Jean Bandits' Arrested After Chase, Crash, Manhunt

Posted: 2:25 pm EDT June 10, 2008Updated: 6:43 pm EDT June 10, 2008

Police arrested four suspected "Blue Jean Bandits" Tuesday after a police chase and a manhunt across two counties.

Security guards spotted the suspects and a van backed up to the Saks Fifth Avenue store at the North Georgia Premium Outlet Mall on Georgia 400 in Dawsonville just before dawn.

When they took off, two Dawson County sheriff's deputies were right behind them.

Police used spike strips to blow out the getaway car's tires on GA. 400 near Pilgrim Mill Rd. The suspects all headed for nearby woods. One was caught and arrested within minutes.

A police command center was set up and a helicopter and dogs were called in to help search for the suspects.

Several hours later three people walked up to Banks Septic Tank Service near Highway 9 and asked to use the phone. Employees there had seen reports about the manhunt and refused to let the men in. The men offered $100 for water and to make that phone call, but the Banks employees still refused and called 911.

The three men were arrested minutes later as they walked along Highway 9.

Police believe the suspects may be the so-called "Blue Jean Bandits" who burglarized the same Saks Fifth Avenue store on May 20.

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