Author: On Common Ground News

DEKALB COUNTY, GA — Wasim Majeed, 37, is in custody, charged with third-degree arson in connection with at least 15 overnight brush fires that were set between Sunday night and Monday morning, April 26-27, in the Clarkston area. Interim Fire Chief Melvin Carter said police captured Majeed early Monday morning. and he as found with items consistent with starting fires when he was arrested. Investigators used surveillance footage to link Majeed to the fires near Georgia State University ‘s Clarkston campus. Authorities said they do not know if Majeed has any connection to the university and they were still working…

LAWRENCEVILLE, GA – A Lawrenceville man was ordered to serve three life prison sentences for sexually assaulting a young girl dating to when she was 3 years old. A Gwinnett County jury on Tuesday, April 28, found Jorge Nagera Perez, 33, guilty of two counts of rape, three counts of aggravated child molestation, and two counts of child molestation for abusing the young girl from between ages 7 and 11. He was sentenced to three life prison terms plus 89 years. “This is absolutely depraved,” District Attorney Patsy Austin-Gatson said. “We will continue to help this young girl and her family…

ROCKDALE COUNTY, GA–Voter turnout on Tuesday inched up slightly as 469 voters ignored the April showers to cast their ballots, pushing Rockdale County’s Early Voting total so far to 1,335.  Tuesday’s voter turnout represents 2.07% of the total number of active voters remaining to cast their ballots, stated Cynthia Willingham, director of Rockdale County’s Board of Elections and Registration. There are 64,446 eligible active voters in Rockdale, she said.  On Monday, April 27, the first day of Early Voting, Rockdale had a total turnout of 866.  The General Primary and Nonpartisan Election is just days away, set for May 19. …

ROCKDLE COUNTY, GA–Early voting for the May 19 General Primary and Non-partisan elections is now underway and it’s off to a slow start. Cynthia Willingham, director of Rockdale County’s Board of Elections and Registration, reported just over 800 voters turned out on Monday, April 27, the first day of the Early Voting period, which runs April 27- May 15. Willingham reports there are 64,446 eligible active voters in Rockdale.  By precinct, Milstead had 103 to cast ballots on Day 1, followed by Olde Town with 88 and Fieldstone with 83.  Below is a breakdown of ballots cast in-person and mail…

DEKALB COUNTY, GA – A 31-year-old woman has been sentenced to life in prison for the death of her mother’s boyfriend after a drunken argument turned violent.  Jurors found Quenisha Poole guilty of Felony Murder, Aggravated Assault, and related charges in connection with the fatal shooting death of Erick Smith, 45, the DeKalb County, District Attorney Sherry Boston announced.    Immediately following the guilty verdict on April 23, DeKalb County Superior Court Chief Judge Shondeana C. Morris, who presided over the trial, sentenced Pool to life with the possibility of parole, plus five years to serve consecutively. According to the investigation, Poole…

DEKALB COUNTY, GA– From April 26 through May 3, 2026, the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation and DeKalb County Fire Rescue invite the community to honor America’s fallen firefighters by lighting up red.  Landmarks, fire stations, businesses, organizations, and families across DeKalb County are encouraged to participate in this nationwide tribute leading up to National Fallen Firefighters Memorial Weekend.  “Lighting up red is a simple but powerful way to show that we remember,” said Melvin Carter, Interim Fire Chief of DeKalb County Fire Rescue. “It honors the men and women who gave their lives in service for others and reminds their…

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. Investigators said Andrews was associated with the Bloods and the Gangster Disciples gangs. A grand jury indicted Andrews on…

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…