ATLANTA, GA — Authorities have arrested three men in connection with a large-scale car theft ring that targeted travelers’ vehicles at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport.
Between January and February 2024, dozens of high-end vehicles — including Jeeps, Dodge Chargers, Challengers, and select GM models — were stolen from airport parking areas. Police say the thefts were part of a wider criminal operation, with 96 cars stolen in total: 45 from the airport and 51 from within the city.
“They actually targeted very specific vehicles,” said Lt. Rodney Jones of the Atlanta Police Department’s Auto Crimes Enforcement Unit. “It’s not about targeting individuals personally, but rather high-demand vehicles.”
On Thursday, officers announced the arrest of Gerald Tiller, Leon Thomas, and Amar Brown, who are believed to be responsible for stealing at least 50 of the stolen vehicles. Police say the suspects were paid in cash by others higher up in the crime ring.
During a July 5 raid, officers discovered firearms, narcotics, thousands in cash, universal car keys used in the thefts, and a stolen Dodge Challenger — taken from the airport just a day earlier.
The arrests are part of a broader investigation involving federal agencies, including U.S. Border Patrol. Lt. Jones noted that the department is deliberately allowing some stolen vehicles to remain in circulation as part of ongoing surveillance to uncover more of the operation.
To date, 86% of the stolen airport vehicles have been recovered.
The crackdown follows new security initiatives launched in November, when Atlanta’s police chief announced increased patrols and undercover officer presence in airport parking structures. Hartsfield-Jackson, the world’s busiest airport, has approximately 40,000 parking spaces.
Police continue to urge travelers to take precautions when parking at the airport: lock vehicles, take keys, remove valuables, and secure any firearms.
