Author: On Common Ground News

ATLANTA – A three-week fugitive apprehension operation led by the United States Marshals Service (USMS) and Clayton County law enforcement agencies has resulted in 78 criminal arrests, the recovery of 46 illegal firearms, 57 pounds of illegal narcotics, and the seizure of $18,000 in U.S. currency. Other local agencies that participated in the operation include DeKalb County Sheriff’s Office, City of South Fulton Police Department, Fulton County Sheriff’s Office, Fulton County Marshals Department, Atlanta Police Department, Gwinnett County Sheriff’s Office, Henry County Police Department and Sheriff’s Office, and the Georgia Department of Corrections. From March 16 through April 3, the…

DEKALB COUNTY, GA — A DeKalb County police officer is recovering after being shot during a multi-agency operation and the suspected gunman has been captured after a four-hour manhunt, authorities said on Thursday night, April 9. The suspect, Tremagne McCluskey, has been charged with Aggravated Assault on a Police Officer, in addition to prior charges of Armed Robbery and Possession of a Firearm During the Commission of a Felony. DeKalb County Police Department (DKPD) officers were assisting Cobb County authorities in South DeKalb near Glenwood Road and Shamrock Drive seeking to arrest the wanted fugitive on armed robbery charges when when he opened fire on the…

GWINNETT COUNTY, GA– A Lawrenceville man has pled guilty to selling Fentanyl as part of a criminal enterprise that led to two fatal overdoses. David “Capone” Shane Lancaster, 47, was linked to the  deaths of Eldin Mehmedovic, 25, on May 23, 2023, and Sean Robert Wignall, 21, on Jan. 6, 2024.  Lancaster pled guilty to Violation of the Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act (R.I.C.O.), four counts of involuntary manslaughter, two counts of sale of fentanyl, three counts of possession of a Schedule II Controlled Substance. Lancaster was sentenced to 30 years in prison followed by 10 years of probation.   “People are dying from…

DECATUR, GA – The DeKalb County Board of Ethics will conduct its Regular Public Meeting on Thursday, April 16, 2026, at 6 p.m. The meeting will be held at 178 Sams Street, Room A1201 – A & B, Decatur, GA 30030. The meeting agenda follows below: Agenda Callto Order Adoptionof Agenda III.           Administrative Items Approval of theMinutes Regularly Scheduled Board Meeting of February 19, 2026 and March 19, 2026 Reportof Committees EthicsOfficer’s Monthly Report ProbableCause Hearing DianneC. Moore v. Johnny Mitchell, Case No. 2025-8 DianneC. Moore v. Kimberly K. Washington, Case No. 2025-16 PublicComments Commentsfrom the Board of Ethics VII.         Executive Session to Discuss Pending Litigation and Personnel Issues Motion toConvene an Executive Session Motionto Adjourn an Executive Session Motionto Approve the Executive Session Affidavit VIII.       Announcement: Next Regular Board Meeting Date is May 21, 2026 Adjournment

DEKALB COUNTY, GA—The DeKalb County Department of Recreation, Parks and Cultural Affairs will hold a community meeting to discuss future plans for the Longdale Park Master Plan on Thursday, April 23, 6:30 – 7:30 p.m., at the DeKalb County Fire Rescue Station 6, 2342 Flat Shoals Road SE, Atlanta. The community is invited to attend and provide input regarding the master plan. The meeting will provide guidance for future county park improvements and program development. For more information, contact LaShanda Davis, public relations specialist, at 404-710-6331 or lsdavis@dekalbcountyga.gov.

updated: 4/9/2026

NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARINGS Notice is hereby given that the City of Stonecrest’s Planning and Zoning Department will hold a Public Hearing on April 21, 2026, to hear a request for SA26-013. The property is located at 3161 Palm Ridge Drive (Parcel number 16 022 03 019), Stonecrest, Georgia 30038. The petitioner is seeking a Special Administrative Permit (SAP) to operate as a Type 1 Home Occupation for administrative office use for an off-site slime business. Notice is hereby given that the City of Stonecrest’s Planning and Zoning Department will hold a Public Hearing on April 21, 2026, to hear…

DECATUR, GA— DeKalb County announced the adoption of an amendment to its current County Purchasing Policy in alignment with the Public-Private Facilities and Infrastructure Act (P3) found under O.C.G.A. §36-91-110 et seq. This policy amendment enables the County to formally accept unsolicited proposals from private-sector partners for qualifying infrastructure and public-use projects. This policy change marks a significant step forward in expanding DeKalb County’s ability to leverage innovation, accelerate project delivery, and explore cost-effective solutions through strategic partnerships. “With the adoption of this policy, DeKalb County is opening the door to new ideas and forward-thinking solutions that can help us meet…

CONYERS, GA—A community Peace Walk will be held on Saturday, April 11, 1 p.m., in Conyers. Organizer Anna McLeod says the walk is “a peaceful, nonpartisan event with no speeches or political messaging focused on individuals showing up as themselves in a calm, respectful space.” McLeod describes the purpose of the meet-up with neighbors and like-minded people as “just a quiet walk for civility across differences.”  “The idea came from a simple observation: People are increasingly divided, and there are very few spaces where they can exist together without pressure to agree.  I wanted to create something quiet and grounded-…