Suspect Nabbed in Overnight Burglary; May Be Connected to Others

City of Decatur Police nabbed a suspected burglar on Friday believed to be connected to several other incidents, including three other neighborhood burglaries.

According to police, suspect Javin Talor was arrested at 3 a.m., on Friday for the burglary and car theft at 308 Inman Drive on March 31, and a burglary at 121 Kirk Crosing on April 1.

Police stepped up surveillance after discovering an emerging pattern during a routine city crime meeting.  During the meeting, Sgt. Jennifer Ross said the method used in the four burglaries were similar to incidents from 2009. 

Ross said a suspect had been identified in those cases, but evidence had only been sufficient to charge the suspect with car theft.  She began investigating to determine if  the suspect in those cases was still in custody. 

Her investigation revealed that Taylor had been released on March 22. She prepared a lookout report, or BOLO, for patrol officers to alert them to Taylor's possible involvement in recent crimes.

Early Friday morning, police officers patrolling the area discovered an unoccupied Honda Odyssey van parked on Kirk Crossing. According to police, the van was identified as the one stolen during a March burglary at 308 Inman Drive. 

Immediately, City of Decatur police set up a perimeter, but while awaiting the arrival of back-up, the patrol officer observed a male run from the driveway of 121 Kirk Crossing towards the van, with a second male chasing the suspect. 

As the back-up arrived on Kirk Crossing, the suspect was getting in the car and began driving away. But before the pursuit began, the suspect jumped out of the van while it was still in motion and fled on foot between houses towards Avery Street.

Another officer, stationed on a nearby street, apprehended the suspect as he came out from between two houses.  Once in custody, police identified the suspect as Javin Taylor.

Police also believe that Taylor may be connected to other burglaries in the area and they suspect he may have stolen other vehicles. Other burglaries include, 514 S. Candler St., where two cars also were stolen, and 317 Shadowmoor.

City of Decatur Police are also investigating a reported burglary at 540 Kirk Road on Sunday, March 27, and an on Kirk near South Columbia Drive on March 23, though it remains unclear if Taylor is a suspect or connected to those crimes.

If you or anyone you know might know something related to these or other crimes, please contact City of Decatur Police 404-373-6551.