The Herald-News - News Story

A man suspected of robbing several drive-thru car washes in the region was arrested in Rhea County this month and now may face more charges from several departments.

Gregory Jason Fox, 31, of Knoxville, turned himself in to Rhea County sheriff's deputies on Jan. 20 and was charged with theft. The department had taken a warrant out for his arrest several days before.

Police suspect Fox of stealing over $2,000 in quarters from the Richland Park Car Wash in Dayton over four occasions between Dec. 22, 2009, and Jan. 10, according to police reports.

John Vaughn, owner of the car wash, reported that money had been stolen from change machines and the automatic drive-thru machine to the Dayton Police Department.

During the four occasions, a man was allegedly caught on surveillance cameras taking the money from the machines.

Each time the individual stole the cash, he brought a different vehicle to the carwash, according to police reports.

Dayton and Rhea County investigators obtained information in January about Fox and issued the warrant for his arrest, Rhea County Investigator Mike Owenbv said.

After investigators from the two departments went to Knoxville and failed to locate Fox, the man soon turned himself at the Rhea County Jail.

Owenby said Fox has just been charged with one count of theft, but several more charges connected with the Richland Park Car Wash thefts are pending on Fox.

Owenby said police suspect Fox was using his grandparent's vehicles each time he allegedly stole cash from the Dayton car wash.

Fox posted a $1,500 bond hours after he was arrested and was released from Rhea County Jail.

He was arrested in Athens, Tenn. Friday morning, though, on another theft warrant issued by the Athens Police Department this week, reportedly for robbing a car wash there.

Michael Reneau can be contacted at michael.reneau@rheaheraldnews.com.