Gwinnett Daily Post

Jose Cortez

NORCROSS -- A patrol officer in an unmarked car last week happened upon what Norcross Police believe is a group of criminals responsible for a series of recent thefts.

The latest incident, on Jan. 16 at 11:16 p.m., ended after the patrolman watched four people leave a van that police later learned was stolen from Flint Hill, an event facility. Norcross Police Capt. Brian Harr said Jose Cortez, 29, was arrested and charged with burglary, possession of methamphetamine and theft by receiving of a motor vehicle.

Cortez entered a motor home without the owner's permission, Harr said, and police found stolen items that linked Cortez to a series of recent thefts in the city. Cortez also had two baggies of meth that police found before he was taken to the Gwinnett County jail.

Harr said an investigation continues about the string of thefts.