Son of Roswell fire chief accused of crime spree

FORSYTH COUNTY - The son of the Roswell Fire Chief is behind bars in Forsyth County. Investigators said 17-year-old Stephan Burnette and 18-year-old Troy Palmer were arrested in connection with a four county crime spree.

Investigators said it began Tuesday night around 9 p.m. when the duo robbed a Chevron and then continued on to other robberies.

"Similar incidents occurred in Fulton County, Gwinnett County and Cobb County. The one in Gwinnett County was attempted, but they were not successful in it," said Deputy Epifanio Rodriguez.

He said Palmer and Burnette were arrested around 2 a.m. Wednesday morning during a traffic stop at Buford Highway and State Route 20 near Cumming.

Rodriguez said investigators found around $2,000 in cash stolen from the Chevron and other locations, as well as a gun and other evidence.

In an email, Rick Burnette, Chief of the Roswell Fire Department, confirmed Stephan Burnette is his son. But he did not want to comment publicly.

Bonnie Beaty, a regular customer at the Cumming Chevron, said she understands teenage angst from raising two children, but nothing like what the teens are charged for.

"My heart goes out to the family. My heart kind of goes out to the kids too, because they're somehow lost. There's something there I don't know what it is. I wish I had the answer. I'm sure his family wishes they did too," said Beaty.

Rodriguez said Stephan Burnette and Palmer are being held without bond at the Forsyth County Jail with a criminal hold from Cobb County.