A Georgia State Patrol trooper stopped a driver for a seat belt violation last Wednesday, but learned the man was suspected in several more crimes including theft of a fleet of U-Haul trucks.

Bulloch County Sheriff’s Lt. Walter Deal had been investigating the thefts of seven U-Haul trucks from a convenience store at the corner of Highway 46 and Sinkhole Road, and when the trooper investigated further, he determined Austin Daniel Tom Winge, 21, was a suspect in the case, said Bulloch County Sheriff’s Capt. Tod Hutchens.

Deal also identified Winge, of Homestead Drive in Ellabell, as a suspect in several thefts and a burglary which occurred earlier at one of his relative’s home near the convenience store, he said.

The U-Haul trucks started disappearing one at a time, in spite of the store owner and rental agent being warned to remove keys from the vehicles, Hutchens said.

‘There was a miscommunication” between the U-Haul company and the rental agent/store owner, causing the rental agent to leave the keys in the trucks, he said.

Winge is believed to have taken the trucks and driven them, then abandoned them at various locations in Bulloch and surrounding counties, he said.

He is also suspected of stealing a firearm and other items during the reported burglary of the relative’s home.

Winge is being held without bond in the Bulloch County Jail on at least five counts of theft by taking motor vehicle, two counts of felony theft by taking, possession of methamphetamine, possession/use of drug related objects, burglary, criminal attempt to commit a felony, theft by taking firearm and seat belt violation.

Herald reporter Holli Deal Saxon may be reached at (912) 489-9414.