Arrests Made in Connection to Entered Autos in Paulding, Cobb

Three Dallas men face charges in connection with several entering auto cases that have occurred in the Bentwater community in north Paulding County as well as other areas in Cobb and Paulding counties, according to the .

Authorities arrested 21-year-old Clinton Bradley Gordon, 21-year-old Karac Fenimore Bennett and 18-year-old Ryan Thomas Haines on July 21 after an ongoing investigation of several thefts that occurred from parked vehicles in the north Paulding area.

Detectives believe the three are responsible for more 30 entering auto cases that have occurred in the Bentwater community and more than 100 such cases that have occurred in both Paulding and Cobb counties. The department is working closely with Cobb Police detectives.

The items targeted in the Paulding cases were small electronics—GPS devices, cell phones, and other items—money, wallets/pocketbooks, credit cards and firearms. Detectives have recovered some of the stolen property, including the firearms that were stolen from these vehicles.

Paulding County Sheriff Gary Gulledge said many of the thefts could have been avoided.

“All the vehicles that were entered in Paulding were parked in driveways at night and unlocked,” Gulledge said. “Most of this stolen property could have been protected by either removing it from the vehicles or simply locking the car doors.”

Paulding detectives have charged Gordon and Haines with two counts of Entering Autos, two counts of Financial Transaction Card Fraud, and one count of Financial Transaction Card Theft. Bennett has been charged with two counts of Entering Auto, one count of Financial Transaction Card Fraud, and one count of Financial Transaction Card Theft. Additional charges may be filed.

Gordon and Haines are currently held in the Paulding County Detention Center on a $5,900 bond; Bennett is being held on a $4,800 bond.

Leading to the arrest of the three was an initial investigation by the Hiram Police Department. We'll have more on its involvement in the case on Saturday.

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Gulledge added that citizens can make a huge impact in the social and economic prosperity of their communities by knowing how to prevent neighborhood crime.

1. Know your neighbors. Get to know your new neighbors if you just moved in to the area. Introduce yourself and get to know their daily routines and vehicles so that you can become more aware of any suspicious behavior.

2. Partner with the Paulding County Sheriff’s Office or your local police department to set up a neighborhood watch program. Don’t be afraid to report any suspicious behavior to your neighbors or to law enforcement.

3. Keep your neighborhood clean. Pick up trash and litter and report any abandoned vehicles or graffiti. Contact the Paulding County Marshal’s Bureau to seek help with quality of life issues (junk vehicles, litter, grass, etc.).

4. Keep your house and vehicles locked at all times. Have a neighbor collect your mail while you are away or have it held by the postal service.

5. Report crime or suspicious activity to law enforcement immediately. Call 9-1-1 if you witness a crime in progress.