Submitted by the Whitfield County Sheriff’s Office
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On Wednesday at about 10:24 a.m. Whitfield County Sheriff’s Office Deputy Wes Gibson was monitoring traffic on Airport Road when he noticed a 2005 gold Chevrolet Equinox with an expired tag pass by.
Gibson initiated a traffic stop for the expired tag. The vehicle was occupied by two Hispanic males. Upon speaking with the driver, Antonio Mateo, concerning the expired tag, the officer became suspicious of the actions of the two individuals. The two were removed from the SUV and searched.
A Gladden Middle School ring with a name on it was found in one of their pockets. Upon checking with the school, the owner of the ring was identified and a deputy was sent to the residence on Keith Mill Road. No one was at home, but the officer discovered the back door of the residence had been kicked in and the home had just been burglarized. The homeowner was contacted and found several items had been stolen from the residence. These items included a large screen TV, jewelry, compound bow and computer games.
All the items taken were recovered from the vehicle Gibson stopped. A firearm was also recovered. It is believed the two individuals had just committed the burglary when stopped by the officer. They were taken into custody.
They are identified as Antonio Ricardo Mateo, 18, of Lakemont Drive, Dalton, and Victor Gonzalez, 18, of 514 McAfee St., Dalton. Both are charged with felony burglary and possession of a firearm during the commission of a felony. Officers are investigating to determine if the two may be responsible for additional burglaries.
