On Friday, March 9, 2018, just after 2000 hrs., Officers were dispatched to the report of a suspicious person who attempted to open a vehicle door at the Panda Express located at 1401 Riverstone Parkway. As units responded, dispatch further advised the complainant relayed that a male wearing a black hoodie tried to open her car door as her son sat in their vehicle while she was picking up food at the restaurant. The shift Lieutenant arrived at 2008 hrs. and located an individual who matched the description of the suspect standing on the shoulder of Reinhardt College Parkway near the intersection of Riverstone Parkway.
The Lieutenant began talking to the male who appeared to be under the influence of something but did give the Supervisor his name and date of birth. As a back-up Officer arrived, the suspicious person fled on foot across Reinhardt College Parkway toward Longhorns. Both Officers gave chase and again located the male running back toward Riverstone Parkway through the parking lot. A Georgia State Patrol Trooper who was in the area joined in the foot pursuit, caught up to the male and took him into custody without further incident. Once under arrest, the suspect was found to be in possession of a small amount of marijuana, drug-related objects and an unmarked pill bottle containing suspected Xanax pills.
Later, after the scene was clear, another call was received by a complainant at the Panda Express in reference to their vehicle door being open, ignition on and a strange cell phone left in their car. A subsequent investigation by Officers and the on-call Criminal Investigation Sergeant revealed that the suspect admitted to attempting to enter a vehicle and actually did enter another car near the Panda Express where he did leave his cellphone behind.
Chief of Police Mark J. Mitchell added, “I commend the efforts of the citizen who contacted us about this crime, the work of our Officers and want to thank the Georgia State Patrol for their support. The combined teamwork was vital to the suspect’s arrest and goes a long way toward improving the quality of life for those we serve.”
Suspect Information
Steven Neil Walker age: 34 of Jasper, Ga.
Charges
Entering Auto
VGCSA Possession of a Schedule IV Drug
VGCSA Possession of Marijuana Less than 1 oz.
Obstruction of an Officer (M)
Possession of Drug Related Objects
