FOREST PARK, GA (CBS ATLANTA) -
Forest Park police are investigating the theft of nine BMWs and MiniCoopers and an auto carrier valued at $1 million.
According to the incident report, a tractor trailer hauling the vehicles was stolen from the 4600 block of Frontage Rd. Sunday night. The driver, Willie Johnson, 54, of Jonesboro, said he left the car carrier along the side of the road and went home.
Johnson, who was transporting the vehicles from South Carolina to a dealership, said he often left the car carrier at that spot.
The auto carrier was found 15 miles away on Peter Road in Union City Monday morning.
Union City Fire Marshall Larry Knowles said the thieves set fire to the auto carrier cab in an apparent attempt to destroy evidence. It may not have worked as the thieves planned.
"They left a lot of evidence," said Knowles, who is also speaking with witnesses who saw two people set the truck on fire.
Knowles said the vehicles were removed from the carrier before it was driven into Union City.
Knowles speculates the thieves were experienced with the operation of the auto carrier.
Forest Park Police Det. James Delk said there are no suspects as of Tuesday night and he does not know where the vehicles are headed.
Johnson estimated the loss of the truck and vehicles at $1 million.
CBSAtlanta.com will have more information on this story as it becomes available.
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