A Mableton man was arrested by Peachtree City police officers on Sept. 5 after using a stolen credit card to purchase thousands of dollars in gift cards.
Travis Tyree Johnson, 47, was charged with three counts of financial transaction card fraud, two counts of first degree forgery, one count of financial transaction card theft and one count of obstruction, according to department spokesman Mark Brown.
Brown said that while off duty at the Rite Aid pharmacy at Ga. highways 54 and 74, Cpl. James Beato observed a man trying to buy more than $2,000 worth of Visa gift cards.
“Using his knowledge and experiences with past fraud incidents, Cpl. Beato believed that financial transaction card fraud was taking place. He identified himself and produced his badge and ID and asked the subject for his identification,” Brown said.
At this time the subject fled the store and Cpl. Beato chased him. Johnson got into his vehicle followed by the off-duty cop. Johnson began to drive off, but Cpl. Beato pulled his pistol, ordered Johnson to stop the vehicle, get out and get on the ground, said Brown.
Johnson complied and was detained until Cpl. Jamal Greer could arrive at the scene and place him into custody, Brown said.
It was determined that Johnson earlier had purchased nearly $4,000 in gift cards using a stolen credit card at the Rite Aid on Hwy. 54 and Peachtree Parkway, Brown said.
“Thanks to Cpl. Beato’s quick thinking and actions, we were able to apprehend the suspect. Cpl. Beato went above and beyond the call of duty by taking these actions while he was off duty,” Brown said.
