Dalton, GA – The Whitfield County Sheriff’s Office and the Georgia Bureau of Investigation (GBI) arrested Joshua David Cole, 26, for the December 16th home invasion of an 85-year old Tunnel Hill resident.  The 85 year old was at home alone when Cole reportedly broke into his home around 3:30am.  Cole overpowered the senior and bound him with tape as he burglarized his home.  Cole took valuables, to include firearms, from the victim’s home and fled by stealing the victim’s car.  The elderly victim was able to escape after Cole left the residence and contacted the sheriff’s office.  The victim received medical attention and was not hospitalized.   

On December 17th, GBI’s forensic artist produced a composite drawing based on the victim’s description of the intruder. Immediately after the composite drawing was publicized, investigators and agents received tips from the public identifying Cole as a possible suspect. Through the course of the investigation, Cole was identified by the victim as the perpetrator.

On December 18th, the victim’s car was located in East Ridge, Tennessee. A coordinated search of the area by authorities from Georgia and Tennessee led to the capture of Cole.  Authorities recovered a firearm, thrown down by Cole as he fled authorities on foot during his apprehension.

Cole was returned to Whitfield County where he was booked into the Whitfield County Jail on charges of Armed Robbery, False Imprisonment, Burglary, Terroristic Threats and Acts, Possession of a Firearm during the Commission of a Felony, Financial Transaction Card Theft and Fraud, Theft, and Exploitation and Intimidation of an Elder Person, all of which are felonies. The investigation is ongoing and additional charges are expected.

Contact: Greg Ramey – Special Agent in Charge 706/624-1424