Three Men Jailed in Auto Theft Ring

Police have arrested three men suspected of a series of auto break-ins in Johns Creek, Duluth and Cobb County.

"In Johns Creek alone some 70 car break-ins dating back to 2010 were reported," said Doug Nurse, public information officer for the Johns Creek Police Department.

They would spend nights roaming neighborhoods and even stole a vehicle whose owner left the keys in the ignition, but later dropped it off, said Nurse.

Then apparently the three men moved into Duluth where that city saw an up tick in vehicle break-ins said Nurse who added that the Duluth Police Department is taking the lead on this investigation.

Two Duluth men and a Lawrenceville man are jailed without bond in Gwinnett on charges that include entering autos. Duluth Police say they could be part of an operation that extends to other areas.

Sebastian James Kicklighter and Frederick James Kicklighter, both of Peachtree Industrial Boulevard addresses in Duluth, and Chase Aaron Miciek of a Philip Oaks address in Lawrenceville are in the Gwinnett Detention Center. Each is charged with multiple counts of entering an auto.

The Kicklighters also face theft by receiving charges. Miciek faces a burglary charge.

According to wsbtv.com, Duluth Police are now working with investigators in Johns Creek and as far west as Cobb County, who are trying to link the men to car break-ins elsewhere in the Atlanta area. 

In one Duluth case, police were summoned on Oct. 1, when a victim said a vehicle was entered on Sept. 29. A $200 gift card was reported missing, as well as $100 in cash. The victim said the vehicle was unlocked. Miciek was arrested in connection with this incident.

In another Duluth case, police were summoned on July 17. The victim said the driver door was not fully closed. The victim noticed that the glove box was open and its contents scattered on the front seat.

Police observed no signs of forced entry. The victim said the car doors always were locked before the vehicle was left. Sebastian and Frederick Kicklighter were arrested in connection with this case on Sept. 30.

Some of this information was obtained from Duluth Police and the Gwinnett Sheriff's Department. It does not indicate a conviction. Questions should be directed to duluth@patch.com.