Author: On Common Ground News

GWINNETT COUNTY, GA– This week, a Gwinnett County grand jury indicted a DeKalb County gang member accused of killing a Gwinnett County Police officer and seriously injuring another during a shootout at a hotel.  Kevin Andrews, Jr., 35, was charged with malice murder, felony murder, two counts of aggravated assault, three counts of unlawful criminal gang activity, identity fraud, possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, and possession of a firearm by a felon during the commission of a crime.  A grand jury indicted Andrews on April 22 in connection with the February 2026 shooting death of Senior Officer Pradeep Tamang,…

Gwinnett County will join family, friends and community in honoring the life and legacy of Gwinnett County Superior Court Judge Deborah Fluker, a trailblazing legal expert and dedicated public servant. Judge Fluker passed away on April 18 after a battle with cancer.  Judge Fluker, elected in 2020 and re-elected in 2024, made history as the first African American Superior Court Judge in Gwinnett County. She was remembered by colleagues and those who knew her for her wisdom, fairness, and integrity.  A public visitation will be held on Friday, May 1, noon until 8 p.m., at Gregory B. Levett & Sons…

ROCKDALE COUNTY, GA– Rockdale County Department of Transportation (RDOT) will conduct full lane closures on Courtesy Parkway to safely perform work on the extension project from May 4 through June 7. During this work, drivers will experience a full closure of Courtesy Parkway just north of the Peaks Landing Apartment Complex. Access to businesses and residential areas will be provided at all times. Travelers are strongly encouraged to use the marked detour routes during the closure of Courtesy Parkway. Please note that this schedule may change due to weather or other unexpected conditions. Drivers should anticipate delays and seek alternate routes,…

ATLANTA–The Georgia Department of Driver Services (DDS) has enhanced its online services, allowing customers to use their Digital Driver’s License/ID to complete address changes quickly and securely.  Customers can now use their digital driver’s license to verify their identity when submitting an online address change request. Currently, the service is available for Apple Wallet with more Smartphone options to come. This innovative update provides Georgians with a more efficient and secure way to manage their driver’s license information without the need to visit a DDS location. By utilizing their mobile driver’s license, customers can seamlessly verify their identity and prepopulate required…

CHAMBLEE, GA—Get ready for a summer filled with music, community, and unforgettable performances as the City of Chamblee announces its Chamblee Rocks Summer Concert Series lineup.  This year’s series brings a dynamic mix of tribute performances and nationally recognized talent to the stage.  The series kicks off on Friday, June 12, with a special celebration of Juneteenth, featuring an electrifying tribute to global superstar Beyonce’. The Evolution of Beyonce’ will bring a high-energy performance, delivering fan-favorites, and the legacy of Beyonce’ to the stage. Think everything from her self-titled game changer to her iconic step into country music.  Celebrating the nation’s 250th birthday, R&B sensation and…

ATLANTA—Longtime U.S. Rep. David Scott, a Democrat who represented Georgia’s 13th Congressional District, passed away on Wednesday at the age of 80. A cause of death was not disclosed.  Scott served 12 consecutive terms in Congress, first elected in 2002, and taking office in 2003. At the time of his death, Scott was seeking re-election with early voting set to begin April 27 ahead of the May 19 primary. Scott’s campaign signs were visible across the 13th District, which spans portions of Clayton, Gwinnett, Henry, Newton and Rockdale counties after redistricting in 2012.  A staunch advocate for education, healthcare, veterans and farmers,…

DEKALB COUNTY, GA— The DeKalb County Police Department (DKPD) has arrested two suspects in connection with a series of break-ins that occurred in Decatur on Tuesday night(April 21).  Investigators released a video showing one of the suspects rummaging through one of the vehicles. Corey Biggs and Malachi Campbell, both 20, were captured after a police chase and are now facing multiple charges including Aggravated Assault, Entering Auto, Possession of a Firearm During the Commission of a Crime, Theft by Receiving Stolen Property (Felony), and Fleeing and Eluding.  The chase began on Tuesday, April 21, after police responded around 8 p.m. to reports of…

DEKALB COUNTY, GA – The DeKalb County Sheriff’s Office is reporting the death of Olaolukitan Adon Abel, the suspected gunman who was facing multiple felony charges in connection with the fatal shooting spree that claimed the lives of two women and a homeless man in separate early morning attacks on April 13 in DeKalb County..   DeKalb County Jail officials said  that Abel was found unresponsive in his cell on today, April 21, at approximately 6:48 p.m. Detention staff immediately notified medical personnel, and lifesaving measures were initiated. Despite those efforts, Abel was pronounced deceased at the jail at 7:17 p.m., officials stated in…

LAWRENCEVILLE, GA– Gwinnett County mourns the loss of Gwinnett Superior Court Judge Deborah Fluker, who passed away Saturday, April 18, following a courageous battle with cancer. Fluker remained on the bench even as she fought cancer, and was admired for her remarkable strength by peers and others who knew her. Judge Fluker, elected in 2020 and re-elected in 2024, made history as the first African American Superior Court Judge in the county. Throughout her distinguished legal career, she was known for her fairness, integrity and unwavering commitment to justice. Before taking the bench, Judge Fluker served in multiple prosecutorial roles,…