More suspects sought in armed robbery and aggravated assault investigation

The Stephens County Sheriff’s Office has issued warrants in connection with the recent armed robbery and aggravated assault at Means Auto Salvage.

According to Stephens County Sheriff Randy Shirley warrants have been issued for Jessie James Patterson Jr., 40, who is believed to be connected to the armed robbery and aggravated assault.

“The Stephens County Sheriff’s Office has issued two warrants in connection with the Friday, January 18, armed robbery and aggravated assault of an employee at Means Auto Salvage on Highway 106,” Shirley said. “Warrants for aggravated assault and armed robbery have been issued for Jessie James Patterson Jr., age 40, who has fled the area of Stephens County and has subsequently been entered into the GCIS NCIC database as a fugitive from justice.”

According to officials, Patterson has an extensive criminal record.

As Shirley said, Patterson remains at-large.

Shirley said shortly after the robbery occurred, his investigators were able to retrieve the vehicle used as the getaway car.

“Within an hour of the armed robbery, aggravated assault, deputies located the getaway car that was parked behind a residence on Broad Street,” he said. “We have since seized the vehicle as evidence and have also seized other fruits that are tied to the case that were located at other located areas of Toccoa.”

Shirley tells WNEG News that on Tuesday, Jan. 29, the Sheriff’s Office issued additional warrants for two other men who are believed to be in connection with the incident.

“Late Tuesday night, my investigators received another break in the case and have issued warrants for two other men, one of which also has an extensive criminal past,” he said. “Both men are tied to the armed robbery and aggravated assault. More information will be forthcoming as the investigation continues.”

The armed robbery happened around 3:30 p.m. Friday, January 18, at Means Auto Salvage, located on Highway 106.

When deputies arrived, they found the victim had been beaten and an undetermined amount of cash had been taken.

Shirley said a perimeter was set up and search was conducted with the help of tracking dogs from Lee Arrendale State Prison and the Toccoa Police.

WNEG News will continue to follow this story and bring you more details as they become available.