A Mt. Airy man remains in jail following his arrest earlier this week for suspected theft.
Authorities arrested 42-year-old William Howard Gooch in Cornelia on Tuesday, April 30, after a lengthy manhunt. The search began when Cornelia police officers were dispatched to the area of Jones Street on a report of a stolen vehicle.
The vehicle was located in Cornelia City Park shortly after it was reported stolen.
According to the Cornelia Police Department, officers set up a perimeter in the area, and Habersham and Stephens Counties K-9 units were called in to assist in looking for the suspect.
After several tips from the community and a lengthy pursuit, Cornelia Code Enforcement officers found the suspect, later identified as Gooch, in the area of Lee Street.
Officers arrested and charged him with theft by taking and first-degree burglary.
As of May 2, Gooch remained in the Habersham County Detention Center on a $13,950 bond.
Police say the case is still under investigation.
