Police arrest alleged gang members tied to home invasions involving celebrities across metro Atlanta – WSB-TV Channel 2
Police are arresting suspected gang members linked to home invasions involving celebrities across Metro Atlanta Four suspected gang members are now in custody in connection with at least 15 burglaries over the past year.
SANDY SPRINGS, Ga. — Police have cleared up a series of violent home invasions targeting celebrities across metro Atlanta.
Four suspected gang members are now in custody in connection with at least 15 burglaries over the past year.
One such celebrity was Marlo Hampton of the Real Housewives of Atlanta, who told Channel 2 investigative reporter Mark Winne that she saw on her security system how armed, masked men kicked in her door with a loud bang.
The attempted break-in happened on July 1 at her home in Sandy Springs.
“When I heard the pop, when I heard my nephew scream — and I knew that scream was a scream of fear — my heart sank,” Hampton said.
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The police have now told her that her case is related to other incidents.
Hampton said she went to a panic room and called 911. The suspects who kicked in her door fled, possibly because she screamed.
The Sandy Springs police were there quickly and they thank God they were.
“I just thank God and we’re covered in the blood of Jesus and I’m here to share this story with you. But my main concern is, I want all ladies … I want everyone to be aware when you post, if you have luxury items, be careful,” Hampton said.
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Sandy Springs Police said officers killed four suspected members of the gang Sunday morning when they tried to break into a townhouse occupied by the mother of one of famed rapper Future’s children.
A thorough investigation into the gang’s past led Sandy Springs investigators to stake out her home, knowing she could be a target.
“We were lucky and did it right. And when we targeted them, they came on the scene. Both a foot chase and a vehicle chase ensued and we were able to take four people into custody,” said Sgt. Matt McGinnis of the Sandy Springs Police Department.
McGinnis said the four arrested men have so far been charged with crimes related to what happened Sunday, but the gang, which includes other members, is believed to be alone in Sandy Springs and other other Metro Atlanta locations at 15 Suspected home invasions or burglaries.
“The investigation has been going on for at least a year now,” McGinnis said.
McGinnis said the investigation began Oct. 1 with a home invasion on Northside Drive for which seven suspects were arrested.
Investigators told Winne that the gang primarily targets the homes of high-profile entertainment, sports or social media figures, including players for the Atlanta Falcons and Atlanta United, as well as a leading lacrosse player.
“We expect it to get bigger,” McGinnis said.
He said detectives believe the ring may have broken into rapper Gunna’s DeKalb County home.
The sergeant says a resident was shot and seriously injured in a home invasion at Parkside Place on July 4.
“He survived and is expected to make a full recovery,” McGinnis said.
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Hours before Winne’s interview, McGinnis said Kenzel Walker, a member of another gang who worked with the gang that ran the home invasions and burglaries, had been arrested on one murder in Albany and charges of home invasion and gang leadership in Sandy Springs.
McGinnis said Sandy Springs Police are asking for the public’s help in locating Jeremy Caldwell, AKA J-Roc, a suspected ringleader wanted on 33 counts, some involving home invasions in Sandy Springs.
“He has a red hawk on the side of his right eye,” McGinnis said.
“If anyone knows where Caldwell is, what should they do?” asked Winne McGinnis.
“You must call 911 immediately. He’s considered armed and dangerous,” McGinnis said.
Crime Stoppers Atlanta has offered a reward of up to $12,000 for a lead leading to Caldwell’s whereabouts.
If you know where he is, McGinnis suggests you call 911 and then call Crime Stoppers.
McGinnis said the four people arrested Sunday, one of whom is in a hospital after exiting a fleeing car, are charged in connection with Sunday’s case but are being investigated along with other suspects for other people.
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