Atlanta officers arrest car theft suspect after bringing the vehicle back

On 11/7/22, officers responded to an auto theft at the location of 980 Howell Mill Rd. NW. Upon arrival, officers met with the victim who stated he parked his truck in the parking lot, but when he returned, it was missing. The victim advised he left his vehicle running with the keys inside of it. Officers immediately met with leasing staff to review surveillance footage in the parking deck.

Officers observed a male suspect approach the victim’s vehicle and stand near it for several minutes before ultimately getting inside it and driving away. While officers were still on scene, the suspect returned to the crime scene in the victim’s stolen vehicle and attempted to park it. Officers immediately recognized the suspect wearing a blue carrier vest as seen in the surveillance video.

When officers attempted to question the suspect, he attempted to flee the scene on foot but was apprehended a short time later. The suspect was identified as Brian Middlebrooks. He was arrested and charged with Auto Theft by Taking, Possession of Marijuana, and Obstruction. He was transported to the Fulton County Jail without Incident.

We are pleased with the work of these officers and the cooperation of the leasing office at this location in working with responding officers to solve this case quickly. We remind the community to never leave keys in the car and never leave the car running when you exit the vehicle. A few seconds is all it takes for a thief to take your car. It is always best to turn your car off and secure the vehicle when you get out of it.