UPDATE: Centerville teen charged in case involving vehicle with racist, lewd language
Police say he now faces charges of removing or affixing a license plate with the intent to conceal or misrepresent, and knowingly driving a vehicle with suspended, canceled or revoked registration.
UPDATE (7/22/25): Police arrested a 17-year-old from Centerville Tuesday after investigating a report of a vehicle with racist and lewd language parked outside Crunch Fitness.
According to a news release from the Centerville Police Department, officers responded to the disturbance on Saturday. Investigators later identified the suspect as Sage Kolbe of Centerville.
On Tuesday, deputies from the Houston County Sheriff’s Office Warrant Division arrested Kolbe at his home. Police say he now faces charges of removing or affixing a license plate with the intent to conceal or misrepresent, and knowingly driving a vehicle with suspended, canceled or revoked registration. Both charges are misdemeanors. Houston County Jail records show his bond was set at $880 for the license plate charge and $180 for the registration charge.
Chief Cedric Duncan said the case involved multiple agencies and relied heavily on tips from the public.
“This incident was investigated as a collaborative effort with our local law enforcement agencies in Middle Georgia,” Duncan said. “The overwhelming amount of information that was provided by the public was critical in identifying this subject. More arrests may be pending.”
The investigation remains active. Anyone with information is encouraged to contact the Centerville Police Department at (478) 953-4222.
ORIGINAL STORY (7/21/25):
CENTERVILLE, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) — A vehicle displaying racist and sexually explicit language was towed Saturday after it was found parked outside a local gym, prompting a police response and public outcry on social media.
According to the Centerville Police Department, officers were dispatched on July 19 to Crunch Fitness after reports of a disturbance involving a vehicle with offensive messages painted on it. Officers determined the vehicle had multiple motor vehicle violations, including an expired tag and a suspended registration.
Authorities noted that the vehicle’s lewd content was visible in the presence of children under age 14. Police say the vehicle was towed in accordance with Georgia law.
Chief Duncan says case referred to DA
Centerville Police Chief Cedric Duncan described the incident as isolated but said the department would be working with neighboring agencies to ensure public safety. “This incident is being investigated as an isolated event,” Duncan said. “But we will be collaborating with our local law enforcement agencies to ensure the safety of all the citizens in our community. The case will also be referred to the district attorney’s office to see if any further charges are warranted.”
Sheriff Moulton denounces hateful display
Houston County Sheriff Matt Moulton also acknowledged the incident in a public statement, referencing social media images of the vehicle traveling through the county. “Hatred does not have a home in Houston County, and be assured that we are actively investigating this at this time,” Moulton said.
Anyone with information is asked to contact the Centerville Police Department.
