Heart-Shaped Tattoo Leads to Arrest in Ongoing Cobb County Burglary Spree

The Brief

• According to police, 27-year-old Jourdan Brooks invaded Chalker Elementary School and several hours afterward intruded upon residences located in a nearby area within two miles.
• According to police, Brooks had been released on bail for comparable break-ins in Smyrna about 16 months prior.
• Investigators say a distinct tattoo on Brooks' face helped connect him to each of the crimes.

COBB COUNTY, Ga. - A man from Cobb County has been taken into custody on several charges related to burglary, which include entering an elementary school as well as three residences.

One of the residences burglarized in mid-April belongs to Denise Evans.

What they're saying

“I’m relieved he’s been apprehended; I feel much safer now,” stated Evans.

Evans says she's relieved that the man who smashed her back window and ransacked her home is in jail.

"When I returned home and entered, the very first thing I noticed was that my closet door was wide open. As I ascended to my bedroom, I observed that my mattress was tilted and items were scattered about randomly. I exclaimed, ‘Oh dear, this place has definitely been burglarized!’ It truly gave me quite a shock," stated Evans.

Evans says two of her neighbors' homes were also broken into. "It seems he was only looking for cash from each of the homes in this neighborhood; he didn't take electronics or anything," said Evans.

Cobb County Police say earlier in the day, the same man broke into Chalker Elementary School. "It's a little nerve-wracking, especially being so close to home," said Charles Dickson, whose brother is a student at the school. Investigators say someone threw a brick through a window of the school. Video inside the school showed the prowler walking through the hallways to the front office.

What we know

Late last week, police arrested Jourdan Brooks for the crimes.

Investigators say they were able to identify him and connect him to the burglaries because of a distinct heart-shaped tattoo near his right eye. "Tattoos are indicative of the person and a great indicator," said Dickson.

Police say Brooks has been involved with burglaries in the past.

He was out on bond for burglarizing three homes in Smyrna in December of 2023. "He decided to expand his territory I guess," said Evans. Brooks is now back in the Cobb County jail.

This time he is being held without bond.

The Source

FOX 5's Denise Dillon spoke with homeowner Denise Evans, a member of the Chalker Elementary School community, and the Cobb County Police Department. Additional details and mug shot were supplied by the Cobb County Sheriff's Office.