WHITFIELD COUNTY, Ga. — Whitfield County deputies say they have disrupted a suspected multi-state shoplifting ring after a routine theft investigation at a Walmart led to a major arrest.
[DOWNLOAD: Free WSB-TV News app for alerts as news breaks]
According to the Whitfield County Sheriff’s Office, the case unfolded Monday at the Walmart on East Walnut Avenue in Dalton. Store loss prevention employees alerted deputies to a suspected theft in progress.
Investigators say the information provided by Walmart staff allowed deputies to quickly identify a vehicle believed to be connected to the incident. Within minutes, a member of the sheriff’s office Crime Suppression Unit located the vehicle and conducted a traffic stop.
During the stop, deputies discovered more than $4,000 worth of stolen merchandise inside the vehicle.
Authorities say further investigation revealed the items had been taken from Walmart locations in multiple states, leading investigators to believe the suspects were part of a larger, organized retail theft ring operating across state lines.
TRENDING STORIES:
- Kidnapped sisters found in Georgia after talking to man they met on Roblox, Snapchat
- Drive-thru court: Cobb opens new service to deal with surge in school bus citations, other cases
- WATCH: Suspect shoots at cars after seeing ex-girlfriend with another man at Atlanta club
“This case highlights the strong working relationship between the Whitfield County Sheriff’s Office and local businesses,” the agency said in a statement. “It also demonstrates the proactive efforts of our Crime Suppression Unit and hardworking patrol deputies to identify and stop organized retail theft in our community.”
The suspects’ identities were not released.
Officials say additional charges are possible as detectives continue working to determine the full scope of the theft operation.
The Whitfield County Sheriff’s Office says it remains committed to protecting local businesses and holding those responsible for organized theft accountable.
[SIGN UP: WSB-TV Daily Headlines Newsletter]
©2026 Cox Media Group
