The Gwinnett County Police Department is reporting damage to several police cars in the late night hours of June 2. Arrests have been made in two of the incidents.
Police say two patrol cars were targeted with Molotov cocktails at the homes of two officers at two different homes in Duluth and Lawrenceville.
In the first incident, a caller told the 911 Center that a Gwinnett County patrol car was on fire at an officer’s residence in unincorporated Duluth. When the Gwinnett County Fire Department arrived, the fire was already extinguished. Witnesses reported seeing three black men running from the vehicle.
In the second incident, a caller told the 911 Center that someone tried to set a patrol car on fire at an officer’s home in unincorporated Lawrenceville. Witnesses reported seeing a dark colored passenger car fleeing the area shortly thereafter.
A fire started on the ground behind the car and was extinguished with a fire extinguisher. Officers say they observed two dents on the driver’s side of the car.
Following the events, a lookout was given to local law enforcement agencies. An additional vehicle was linked to the cases.
Lawrenceville Police found one of the suspect’s vehicles and arrested 21-year-old Alvin Joseph. Alvin’s passenger, 20-year-old Lakaila Mack was taken to police headquarters for questioning. Following her interview, she was placed under arrest.
The third suspect, 21-year-old Ebuka Chike-Morah was eventually found. Both vehicles linked to this event were recovered. A search warrant was issued on both cars and a search of one of the vehicles revealed accelerant related to the crimes.
All three suspects will be charged as follows in reference to both incidents:
· Alvin Joseph -Arson 1st Degree – Felony (2 counts), Possession and Manufacturing of Destructive Device – Felony (2 counts), Criminal Trespass – Misdemeanor (2 counts), Possession of Tools for the Commission of a Crime – Felony (2 counts), Interference with Government Property – Felony (2 counts), Interference with Government Property – Misdemeanor (1 count), and Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon – Felony (1 count)
· Lakaila Mack- Arson 1st Degree – Felony (2 counts), Possession and Manufacturing of Destructive Device – Felony (2 counts), Criminal Trespass – Misdemeanor (2 counts), Possession of Tools for the Commission of a Crime – Felony (2 counts), Interference with Government Property – Felony (2 counts)
· Ebuka Chike-Morah- Arson 1st Degree – Felony (2 counts), Possession and Manufacturing of Destructive Device – Felony (2 counts), Criminal Trespass – Misdemeanor (2 counts), Possession of Tools for the Commission of a Crime – Felony (2 counts), Interference with Government Property – Felony (2 counts)
All three suspects are being held without bond at the Gwinnett County Jail.
In an unrelated incident, another Gwinnett County police officer found his patrol car windshield and driver’s side window smashed early Wednesday morning at about 7:45 a.m at his home in unincorporated Lawrenceville. Police say it appears as though someone threw a brick causing the damage.
