A recent parolee from Suwanee was arrested July 24 after authorities said he attempted to take wheels off vehicles at a Dawson County car dealership.
The Dawson County Sheriff's Office has charged Christopher Michael Manning, 30, with criminal attempt to commit a crime, possession of tools for the commission of a crime and loitering or prowling.
Manning is being held at Dawson County Detention Center.
Also arrested July 24 was 18-year-old Jack Thomas Livesay of Dawsonville, who faces the same charges.
Livesay was released from custody after posting $10,000 bond, according to jail records.
Sheriff's Lt. Tony Wooten said an off-duty officer working security July 24 at John Megel Chevrolet saw the pair pull into the dealership parking lot and drive around for a few minutes before stopping.
"When the officer confronted the individuals, he located tools, a floor jack and blocks, that we believe they were going to use to steal wheels off three vehicles," Wooten said.
The dealership has had similar thefts in the past.
"We know Manning was not present at the time of the previous thefts because he was in prison at the time," Wooten said.
According to state Department of Corrections records, Manning is on parole for a 2007 theft by receiving stolen property conviction in Forsyth County.
Manning, who was released from prison less than three months ago, has previous convictions in Forsyth and Gwinnett counties that are similar to the July 24 charges, including theft of motor vehicle or parts in 1997.