ATLANTA — Atlanta police said they arrested a man who may be responsible for a massive car theft ring.
Atlanta police arrested Ronald Thomas Monday. They told Channel 2’s Erica Byfield, he liked American cars and used something they’ve never seen before to steal them.
Police said Thomas did something very few people in the country can do-- steal a car with high tech-device.
“The computer is allowing him to steal the car without the use of the key,” O’Hare said.
Police are working to find out more about the device.
“He specialized in the GM type of vehicle,” Sgt Jack Bentley said.
Police said Thomas, who stole and stripped all of the cars, had a pattern. Investigators allege that Thomas liked to steal high-end SUV’s.
They said Thomas took most of them in the middle of the night from parking garages. He’s accused of targeting car owners from Buckhead to unincorporated south Fulton County and everything else in between.
Police said he originally attempted to get away, but they got him. Police said Wendell Drive is where Thomas chopped up at least 16 stolen cars and he dumped them on Selig drive.
“They are transporting the engines and transmission out of state to be sold,” Detective Stephen O’Hare said. “They are selling tires and rims locally on the street. We’re guessing per vehicle, they are making probably a couple thousand dollars.”
Investigators have spent years looking for Thomas. They suspect they will be able to link him to at least 100 stolen and stripped vehicles.
For now, he’s charged in connection with 16 thefts.
WSBTV
