Video: teenage thieves break into cars, flee from officers

CONYERS, Ga. - Conyers Police urgently need the public's help to catch a crew of eight teenagers who sped recklessly from law enforcement for several miles, broke into numerous cars in different Rockdale County communities, and even wielded weapons and pointed them at a resident while committing their crimes.

Police said the suspects burglarized numerous cars in the Windsor Creek community off Johnson Road and the Travers Creek subdivision near Sigman Rd Road.

One of the residents, Diane Strauss, said she called 911 after spotting the thieves break into her car and other cars, and witnessed the teenager point an AK-47 pistol at her.

"I opened the shutters, he pointed the gun at me. I ran to pick up my phone and call the police," Strauss said.

Police said they confronted the suspects in two vehicles at the Travers Creek subdivision, and officers chased them down for several miles until one vehicle crashed. Several suspects could be seen on dash cam video running and even getting into the other vehicle.

Officers tried a PIT maneuver on the vehicle, but it kept going and sped onto Interstate 20. Officers called off the chase around Turner Hill Road, as the dangerous driver was a serious threat to other cars on their early morning commute.

Police believe the other vehicle was dumped in DeKalb County.

Officers recovered in the first vehicle numerous peoples' wallets, IDs, and a stolen AK-47 pistol.

"[They're] very dangerous. We want to get them off the street so they’re not pointing guns at people and endangering them," said Captain Jackie Dunn of Conyers Police.

Officers believe the crew ranges from 15 to 20 years old and could be from the Atlanta and DeKalb County areas. Investigators believe they have committed similar crimes across the metro Atlanta area.

Surveillance captured several of them on camera at the nearby Texaco gas station.

Anyone with information on the suspects is asked to contact Conyers Police or Crime Stoppers at 404-577-TIPS. Tipsters can receive a reward up to $2,000 for information leading to an arrest.