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2 arrested in drug sale, stolen property investigation
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Connector plan meets dead end

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A Hall County SWAT team stormed an apartment off Cleveland Highway on Tuesday morning as a helicopter hovered overhead, arresting two people in an investigation into drug sales and stolen property.

John Fitzgerald Rucker Jr., 18, and Debra Evetta Brown, 44, were arrested without incident at the Ridgecrest apartments, where a search warrant was carried out shortly after 11 a.m. Tuesday.

Hall County Sheriff’s Col. Jeff Strickland said about 15 members of the SWAT team served the warrant because it was believed Rucker may be armed. No guns were recovered from the apartment and the suspects surrendered without a fight, Strickland said.

The Georgia State Patrol assisted in the operation by providing a helicopter that kept a position above the apartment complex.

Strickland said investigators believe people brought stolen items to the apartment to trade for drugs. Stolen electronics valued at $4,130, 2 grams of crack cocaine and a small amount of marijuana was recovered from the apartment, Strickland said.

Rucker was charged with possession of cocaine, possession of cocaine with intent to distribute, theft by receiving and tampering with evidence.

Brown was charged with operating a disorderly house.

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