Cottondale Auto Thief Charged with Home Invasion & Armed Robbery

A Cottondale man charged with several counts of receiving stolen property after a series of auto dealership thefts has been charged with additional crimes including first degree robbery.

Dylan Barger, 26, was arrested Tuesday after several auto dealerships along Skyland Boulevard reported thefts from earlier this month. He is also facing additional charges related to cases from the Tuscaloosa County Sheriff's Office.

Enter your number to get our free mobile app

Barger is suspected of stealing a Hyundai Elantra from a gas station off of Skyland, and has also been seen on surveillance cameras attempting to drill out ignition switches and remove steering columns from various car lots on multiple occasions.

Three businesses reported this happening the week of January 15th to the 21st. On January 26th, Barger also allegedly entered the home of two victims who were asleep in their home on Bear Creek Road, where he fired multiple shots through their backdoor to force it open.

Barger reportedly pointed the gun at the two victims and demanded property. The male victim gave Barger a pair of pants containing his keys and wallet inside, and court documents say he fled the scene in a white Jeep.

Later around noon, Barger was allegedly spotted at a Quick Stop in Duncanville in a white Jeep that the victim was able to identify from the robbery. Barger was spotted with two other men at the gas station, and was later apprehended after attempting to flee from TSCO deputies.

This investigation is ongoing and several additional charges may be filed against him.