Two Arrested in Cumming Gas Station Theft

Two people have been charged in connection with the theft and damage of at least one air machine at a local gas station, according to the Forsyth County Sheriff's Office.

Cedric J. Bell, 49, and Cassandra N. Goodjohn, 36, both of Atlanta were charged with criminal damage and theft. As of Friday, both are in custody at the Forsyth County Detention Center.

A $6,765 bond has been set for Goodjohn, while bond was denied for Bell.

Deputies responded to a 911 call Thursday night placed by Nabeel Vira, the owner of the Smart Stop 2 gas station, located on Buford Highway in Cumming.

Vira reported that while working inside the store, he heard a drilling sound outside. When he went to check things out, he saw a man standing next to a minivan allegedly drilling into an air machine with a power tool. When Vira questioned the man, Vira was told that he [the suspect] was "cleaning out his van," a press release stated.

After noticing damage to the machine, Vira went back inside the store and called 911 and gave a description of the vehicle and its occupants.

During the investigation of Vira's air machine, additional sheriff's deputies were also checking out nearby gas stations and found that at least six others had damage to their air machines and quarters stolen out of all of them.

Authorities did catch up with the suspects after stopping a vehicle fitting the description of the minivan. The press release stated that one of the investigators found a bag containing several quarters, as well as grinders and other tools.

Editor's Note: An arrest does not indicate a conviction.