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Name:
Singleton, Cornelius
Date of Booking:
04/18/2026
Reason(s) For Booking:
HIT AND RUN/ LEAVING THE SCENE OF AN ACCIDENT
RECKLESS DRIVING
FLEEING OR ATTEMPTING TO ELUDE- FELONY
THEFT BY SHOPLIFTING
OBSTRUCTION OF LAW ENFORCEMENT OFFICER (MISD)
FALSE REPORT OF A CRIME
Officer’s Narrative:
[Please note: The following is a direct transcription from the official initial incident report. The Georgia Gazette does not fix any spelling or grammatical errors that may exist. Any changes or redactions made by our staff are placed inside brackets. Some errors may exist. All subjects are innocent until proven guilty in a court of law. The topics discussed may be sensitive to some readers. Discretion is advised.]
At approximately 23:23 hours on 04/17/26, I, Sgt. Timothy Smith, Badge C607, was dispatched to Circle K at 499 Highland Road in reference to a theft. The suspect, Cornelius Singleton, entered the store and was observed by the complainant, [WITNESS #1], and on security footage stealing four BuzzBall alcoholic beverages valued at $16 by concealing the items in his jacket. The suspect then fled the scene.
Utilizing the FLOCK camera system, I discovered the suspect vehicle, a black 2014 Chevy Cruz, bearing Georgia tag [REDACTED]. The vehicle was observed by camera traveling northbound on Berckman’s Road. I intercepted the vehicle on Berckmans Road as it ran a red light, turning left onto Washington Rd, then another red light at Washington Road, and in front of Kroger. I initiated a U-turn in my marked patrol vehicle, activating my emergency lights.
The suspect turned onto Bertram Road, made a U-turn, traveling back to Washington Rd turning right and accelerated to speeds over 80 mph in a 45 mph zone. The suspect ran multiple red lights and made numerous lane changes before turning right onto Stevens Creek Rd, then crossing into on coming lanes turning left to continue on Stevens Creek Rd. The vehicle then ran the redlight at Stevens Creek and Riverwatch park way, then turned left entering the apartment complex at [700 BLOCK] Stevens Creek Road. There, the suspect exited the vehicle, leaving it in drive, and fled on foot. The vehicle rolled into a ditch, striking a tree, and sustained disabling damage.
The suspect returned home and called 911, attempting to report his vehicle as stolen (26-079900). He later returned to the scene, stating he allowed a friend, whom he only knew by first name, to drive the vehicle. The subject stated his friend called after fleeing and informed him that the police were pursuing him.
Deputy Brownlee (Unit 330) provided video footage, which positively identified the suspect as the registered owner of the vehicle. He was also observed still wearing the same black hair cover from the video footage. Subject was taken into custody without further incident.
Original theft reported under this case number. Investigative stop generated a separate case number of 26-079865, the subject calling 911 to report his call stolen generated a theft case number of 26-079900. All documentation completed under this case number, other cases cleared no action.
[End of Narrative]
All information is sourced directly from the official, public court database. Case history is organized and curated by The Georgia Gazette staff. The “What this means:” explanations are written by AI and reviewed by our staff before publishing.
Court records are subject to change at the court’s discretion. The Georgia Gazette is not responsible for errors or omissions. Nothing here is legal advice. All individuals are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
Case History:
4/27/26
NOTICE OF LEAD PROSECUTOR
What this means: The prosecution identified its lead prosecutor on 4/27/26. This notice informs the defendant and the court who will be handling the case for the state.
4/27/26
ATTORNEY ENTRY OF APPEARANCE
What this means: A defense attorney entered an appearance on 4/27/26 as counsel for Cornelius Singleton. This means the attorney is now officially representing the defendant in this case.
7/14/26
GRAND JURY RETURNS INDICTMENT
What this means: A grand jury in Richmond County has indicted Cornelius Singleton on charges related to the allegations in this case. The indictment formalizes the charges and moves the case toward trial. Singleton will be required to appear for arraignment to enter a plea.
7/29/26
WAIVER OF ARRAIGNMENT
What this means: Cornelius Singleton waived his right to an arraignment hearing on 7/29/26. By waiving arraignment, the defendant forgoes the formal court appearance where charges would be read and a plea of guilty or not guilty entered, and the case proceeds directly to the next stage of the case. The defendant has agreed to skip the arraignment hearing pled not guilty and to move forward to the next stage of the case.
7/29/26
STATE’S DEMAND FOR DISCOVERY
What this means: The prosecution filed a demand for discovery on 7/29/26. This is a formal request requiring the defense to provide evidence, witness statements, police reports, and other materials relevant to the case. The defense must comply with discovery rules and timelines set by the court. Both sides are required to share evidence and information with each other, so each party knows what the other side has before trial.
8/18/26
ARRAIGNMENT CALENDAR HEARING SCHEDULED FOR 8/18/26 AT 9:00 AM
What this means: An arraignment hearing is scheduled in Richmond Superior Court. At this hearing, Cornelius Singleton will be informed of the charges against him, advised of his rights, and asked to enter a plea of guilty or not guilty.