Author: On Common Ground News

GWINNETT COUNTY, Join Gwinnett County for an unforgettable evening celebrating creativity, culture, and community on July 25, from 3 to 9 p.m., at the Lawrenceville Arts Center. This vibrant free arts festival brings together live performances, interactive activities, local artisans, and delicious food for all ages to enjoy From high-energy dance performances and live music to hands-on workshops and immersive art experiences, this event showcases a diverse lineup of talented performers and makers. Guests can explore vendor booths, participate in creative activities like painting, terrarium building, and henna art, and enjoy a dynamic stage program featuring multicultural acts, acrobatics, jazz,…

UPDATE: According to an arrest affidavit, former DKPD Officer Derrick Harris, Jr.  had his firearm in one hand and handcuffs in the other hand as Seth Eccles, 19, lay facedown on the ground with his hands behind his back.  In the process of attempting to handcuff Eccles, whom Harris believed to be connected to a robbery, Harris accidentally discharged his firearm. Eccles was taken to a hospital where he died.   The GBI has charged Harris with involuntary manslaughter and Harris has been terminated from the DKPD.  DEKALB COUNTY, GA— Criminal charges have been filed against DeKalb County Police Officer Derrick…

GWINNETT COUNTY, GA– On July 3, Gwinnett County Sheriff’s Office Special Investigations Section (SIS) conducted a pandering operation, resulting in the arrest of 10 men who allegedly attempted to solicit an undercover deputy. This operation is part of the Sheriff’s Office’s ongoing efforts to combat sexual exploitation by targeting those who create the demand for prostitution and criminal activity that often exploits vulnerable individuals. The following individuals were arrested and charged: 1 Brian Huertas: Pandering – Felony, VGCSA 2 Chetan Vekariya: Pandering – Felony 3 Jose Delgado Ontiveros: Pandering – Felony 4 Relemon Adams: Pandering – Felony 5  Adib Jaberi:…

GWINNETT COUNTY, GA– The Georgia Supreme Court has upheld the murder convictions of two of the men found guilty in a fatal 2022 gang carjacking in Peachtree Corners, the Gwinnett County District Attorney announced on July 7.  A third assailant’s appeal is pending. In a unanimous decision, the Georgia Supreme Court Justices ruled against the appeals that Miles Chatezal Collins and Josiah Hughley, Jr. brought in the case that found them guilty of, among other charges, felony murder, aggravated assault, hijacking a motor vehicle, and violating Georgia’s Street Gang, Terrorism and Prevention Act for their respective parts in the shooting death of…

LAWRENCEVILLE, GA– Since June 4, officers have responded to a series of after-hours burglaries at Urban Air Adventure Park locations connected to a social media trend encouraging young people to break into locations to play arcade games, use attractions, and damage property. The Gwinnett County Police Department has investigated seven incidents at Urban Air Adventure Park, resulting in the arrests of 11 young people ages 17 to 20 and four juveniles. Charges associated with these investigations include loitering and prowling, criminal trespass, burglary, and other related offenses. Among those arrested: Amaury Armas Alvarez, 17; Andy Colunga Castillo, 17; John Stringer, 17;…

DECATUR, GA— The DeKalb County Sheriff’s Office Fugitive Unit, with assistance from the U.S. Marshals Service and the Clayton County Police Department, on Tuesday(July 7) arrested a suspect in connection with a double homicide that occurred in DeKalb on July 2. Keyshun Webb, 21, was located in the 1700 block of Portwest Way in Hampton, Georgia, and taken into custody in connection with the deaths of 13-year-old Demarcus Shirley and 45-year-old Chauncey Newman.  Investigators allege that multiple shots were fired into a home on Rockcliff Road in DeKalb, resulting in the deaths of the two victims. Several young boys were…

DEKALB COUNTY, GA– Each year during property tax season, seniors and unsuspecting homeowners risk losing money to businesses offering tax-saving programs for homestead exemptions and assessment appeals.  “We typically receive calls from concerned homeowners about businesses offering to help them save money on property taxes by filing a homestead exemption or an assessment appeal for a fee,” said Tax Commissioner Nicole Golden. “Unfortunately, it causes confusion for homeowners who may or may not be familiar with the filing process.” “Solicitations via social media, radio, and mail are common, and I’d like to remind taxpayers there is no cost for these…

ROCKDALE COUNTY, GA–Democrat Tony Brown has been disqualified as a candidate for the Special Election for Georgia’s 13th Congressional House District, the seat formerly held by the late Rep. David Scott, On Common Ground News has learned.   Scott, who served 12 consecutive terms in the U.S. House of Representatives, died on April 22 at the age of 80 while seeking re-election to a 13th term as congressman.   The 13th Congressional District includes portions of Clayton, DeKalb, Henry, Gwinnett, and Rockdale counties. The early voting period for the special election began on Monday, July 6 and ends on July 24. Election Day is…

DEKALB COUNTY, GA—An employee in the DeKalb County District Attorney’s Office who was critically injured by celebratory gunfire on July 4 has been identified as Lakesha Davis, officials said today (July 6).  Two suspects have been arrested in connection with the shooting, as Davis remains hospitalized, according to authorities.  DeKalb County Police (DKPD) said Davis was at home when she was hit by gunfire. DKPD responded to the reported shooting around 11:30 p.m. in the 7500 block of Clear Creek Drive in unincorporated Lithonia.  When officers arrived, they found a woman with a gunshot wound. She was rushed to a hospital in critical but stable…