WCSO thwart auto theft by alleged auto theft ring

From left: Moosa Nisar, Jermal E. Townsend and Grant Gibson. Photo credit: Walton County Sheriff’s Office

WALTON COUNTY, GA (AUG. 20, 2025) – Walton County Sheriff Keith Brooks is reporting that his deputies were able to thwart the attempted auto theft of a Dodge Charger and round up alleged members of an auto theft ring on Saturday night.

Three teens were arrested and charged as follows:

• Moosa Nisar, 17, is charged with entering auto, criminal damage to property in the 2nd degree and theft by taking, all felonies, as well as a misdemeanor charge of obstruction. He was currently incarcerated at the time of publication.
• Jermal E Townsend, 17, is charged with burglary in the second degree and entering auto, both felonies, as well and a misdemeanor charge of obstruction. He has bonded out.
• Grant Gibson, 17, is charged with conspiracy to commit burglary in the second degree and possession of tools for the commission of a crime, both felonies. He too has bonded out.

According to the press release, Gibson, the alleged getaway driver, crashed into a patrol car in a failed attempt to escape before he was taken into custody. Townsend was tracked down by K9 Vader after fleeing on foot and Nisar, the third suspect, was located and arrested by WCSO investigators.

“Deputies recovered burglary tools and evidence of organized auto theft. All three face multiple felon charges,” WCSO wrote in a social media post, adding, “If you come to Walton County to commit crimes, you will be apprehended and held accountable.: