Police searching for 3 men who robbed car dealership, stole Jeeps

CANTON, Ga. - Canton Police are trying to track down three gunmen who robbed an employee at a car dealership and stole 3 jeeps off the lot. Police said they robbed the ShottenKirk Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram dealership just before the business opened Friday morning.

General Manager David Booth said an employee was just getting ready to open when three men burst through the door and threatened him.

"They put a gun to his head and demanded keys," said Booth.

Police said the men, who did not wear masks and appeared to be in their 20s, took the employees cell phone and three keys from the service desk. With those keys, they jumped in three Jeeps that were just outside the service department and took off.

A Cherokee County deputy spotted one of the vehicles more than ten miles away on Interstate 575. Authorities said the driver sideswiped a couple of other cars then crashed into a pole.

"Once the deputy got out of his car the man fled on foot into the wood line. There were reports the suspect may have been in a neighborhood knocking on some doors but we have not been able to locate him," said Canton Police Cpl. Mary Turner.

Two of the Jeeps belonged to customers who were getting them serviced, the other belonged to the dealership. The two vehicles still missing are black Jeep Grand Cherokees.

Booth said the Jeeps can be replaced, but he worries about his employees and wants these men caught.

"I'd love to have them caught. People like this are not only a danger to my customers and employees but to society in general. They need to be off the streets," said Booth.