Deputies: Juveniles escape Taylor Co. youth center, steal tractor, break into home

TAYLOR COUNTY, Ga. -- Five juveniles escaped a youth center in Taylor County and stole a tractor over the weekend, according to the sheriff's office.

Taylor County Sheriff Jeff Watson confirmed Monday that since their escape, all five juveniles have been taken back into custody.

Watson said before they were apprehended, the juveniles stole a $75,000 tractor that had hay spears on the front and the back, then went on a four-mile tractor ride in the wrong lane on Highway 137 East.

The suspects then broke into and vandalized a home on Highway 137. The homeowners weren't there at the time, Watson said.

The Sheriff added that in 2020, juveniles had previously burglarized a home and a church during another escape. In that incident, the suspects stole guns from the home. Law enforcement later saw the juveniles going into a church with the firearms, but Watson noted that a standoff didn't ensue.

Watson also said that in another previous incident, juvenile suspects had escaped the youth center and broke into several cars around Reynolds.

The Sheriff said in a statement Monday morning that, "Myself, Representative Bentley, Chief Holder, and Chief Cobb all feel it’s time to end this before our citizens get hurt or have to hurt one of these kids. I am going to do everything I can to protect you and your family from this occurring again! Just know that Representative Bentley and I have been in contact with the Governor’s office, Department of Juvenile Justice, and Department of Family and Children services to correct the problems!"