Chase nabs suspects in multi-county burglary ring

CARROLL COUNTY, Ga. — A police chase during which a man shot at a deputy could help solve a widespread burglary ring in metro Atlanta.

Two burglary suspects took Carroll County deputy Anna Britton on a dangerous chase spanning 12 miles. Britton told dispatch the suspects were throwing items out the window of the vehicle, and then eventually began firing shots at her vehicle.

Deputies continued the pursuit and eventually arrested Brian Starnes and Lori Hunt.

Investigators said the pair is linked to home burglaries in Douglas, Carroll and Paulding counties.

"We have information that they've possibly been doing two to three burglaries a week over an eight- to nine-month period," Lt. Jamie Harrell of the Douglas County Sheriff's Office said.

Harrell said his investigators happened to identify two other burglary suspects, Jeremiah and Courtney Tudors, around the same time as the chase. He said their fingerprints were lifted from a burglary in Douglas County and then connected to the other cases.

"Right now, there are six individuals in custody, but that could expand," Harrell said.

Harrell credited Britton for staying calm and staying with the suspects in order to get them in custody.

Two additional people were charged with theft by receiving when deputies found stolen property from the burglaries in their home.

WSBTV