LAVONIA, Ga. — A toddler was safely recovered Wednesday after authorities say a Bowersville man took the child during a domestic dispute in Lavonia, leading to charges in both Franklin and Hart counties.
According to the Lavonia Police Department, officers responded at about 2:49 p.m. March 25 after Franklin County 911 received a call about a domestic-related incident involving a toddler being taken from the child’s mother.
Investigators said the child’s biological father, Xavier De’Marqus Thomas, 31, of Bowersville, who does not have custodial rights, took the child following a verbal dispute with the mother and allegedly interfered when she tried to call 911.
Lavonia police said a BOLO, or be-on-the-lookout alert, was immediately issued for Thomas, the child and the vehicle. Officers also used Flock Safety camera technology to track the vehicle’s direction of travel as it left the city.
According to the Hart County Sheriff’s Office, deputies were notified by Lavonia police at 3:10 p.m. that a man had taken a child from Lavonia in a charcoal-colored 2021 Jeep Renegade. Deputies first searched the last known area, then headed toward Bowersville, where they spotted the vehicle on East Main Street.
Deputies conducted a traffic stop near Hilliard Road and identified the driver as Thomas. The toddler was also in the vehicle, authorities said.
Following an on-scene investigation, Thomas was arrested by the Hart County Sheriff’s Office and charged with driving under the influence and child endangerment.
Lavonia police said additional warrants have been secured charging Thomas with interference with child custody and obstruction or interference with a 911 call.
Authorities said the child was safely recovered about 30 minutes after the initial 911 call and was returned to the mother.
Both agencies said the case could have ended much differently and credited the quick coordination between law enforcement and 911 personnel for the safe recovery.
Lavonia police thanked the Hart County Sheriff’s Office, Sheriff Chris Carroll and Franklin and Hart county 911 for their assistance. Hart County deputies also thanked Lavonia police for quickly sharing information during the search.
