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EMERSON, Ga. - Police in several jurisdictions are looking for a group of thieves who brought a child with them as they committed the crimes. Authorities say with a young girl in tow, adults have been stealing money from the video gaming machines at truck stops along Interstate 75. Authorities say they've hit at least five locations.
Emerson Police say surveillance video shows one man breaking the locks off the machines at the Love's Truck Stop, while another man stands to his side to try to block the view of the surveillance camera. Authorities say there's also a woman who keeps an eye on who is coming and going. “She stood at the door and acts more like a lookout for anyone who was coming into the game room,” says Lt. Kyle Teems.
Police say at each of the five locations they hit, they also have a young girl with them. Police say it's to keep up appearances. “So they look less suspicious to the store employees,” says Lt. Teems.
Emerson Police say they got away with 1200 dollars from the Love's Truck stop and what could be thousands more from four Pilot Truck stops from the Macon area to Dalton, including one in Bartow County. Authorities believe they've been driving up and down I-75 in a silver Pontiac Grand Prix and go to the stores close to the exits.
Kim Loving who lives near one of the stores says the video gaming machines are popular. “People like the ding, ding machines, it gives them something to do,” says Loving.
When Bill Huskins of Bartow County heard police were looking for the three who brought a young girl with them, he couldn't believe his ears. “It's pitiful, what is this world coming to? Just despicable to bring a kid like that,” says Huskins.
If you have any information about these three, or can identify them, Emerson Police would like to hear from you. 770-386-6696.