VALDOSTA, GA – Authorities with the Lowndes County Sheriff’s Office have caught two men that stole a dump truck in Macon.

On Tuesday afternoon a citizen observed two individuals near Exit 22 that matched the description of the males who fled from deputies on Monday. The citizen called 9-1-1 and the search for the men was reinitiated. A Lowndes County Sheriff’s Office canine unit began tracking and soon the first person was apprehended in the woods south of Shiloh Road. Shortly afterwards, the second person was arrested as he exited the woods on Val Tech Road. Deputies were assisted by officers from the Georgia Department of Public Safety, Motor Carrier Compliance Division.

Following their arrest, the men were identified as Jessie Atkinson, 30, of Byron, GA., and Justin Johnson, 24, of Covington, GA. It was learned that Johnson was also being sought by the Newton County, Georgia Sheriff’s Office for an outstanding violation of probation warrant. Atkinson was transported to the Lowndes County Jail and Johnson was taken to South Georgia Medical Center for treatment of exposure that he sustained during the overnight stay in the woods. It is anticipated that both men will appear in the Lowndes County Magistrate Court this afternoon where a bond will be considered.

Investigators from the Lowndes County Sheriff’s Office have been working with investigators from Bibb County where the truck was originally stolen. Both agencies will be working together as the investigation moves forward.

Sheriff Prine was especially thankful for the alert citizen that noticed the two men and immediately called 9-1-1.

Sheriff Prine is asking that anyone with information on this case, or any other case to contact the Lowndes County Sheriff’s Office at {229} 671-2950 or anonymous tips can be provided at {229} 671-2985 or on line at www.lowndessheriff.com.

Source: Lowndes County Sheriff’s Office