3 Arrested, Charged In Arson Of Gwinnett County Police Cars

GWINNETT COUNTY, GA – Three people have been arrested and charged with first-degree arson and other crimes after two Gwinnett County Police Department patrol cars were targeted with Molotov cocktails at the homes of officers on between 10 p.m. and midnight on Tuesday, the department announced Thursday.

Police responded to an officer’s home in Duluth on the report that a patrol car was on fire. When officers arrived, the fire had already been extinguished and officers were told by witnesses that three black males had been seen running from the vehicle.

In a second incident, a 911 call reported that someone had attempted to set a patrol car on fire at an officer’s residence in Lawrenceville, police said. Witnesses reported seeing a dark-colored vehicle fleeing the scene. A fire was set behind the patrol car and had been extinguished with a fire extinguisher. Officers also noticed two dents on the driver’s side of the vehicle.

As an investigation into the incidents began, a second vehicle was also determined to have been connected to the incidents. Police subsequently arrested Alvin Joseph, 21, Lawrenceville, and Joseph’s passenger, Lakaila Mack, 20, Dacula. Further investigation by county police and fire officials along with ATF agents located a third suspect and the other vehicle they believed to be involved in the cases. Ebuka Chike-Morah, 21, Duluth was arrested and a search warrant was issued on both vehicles. A search of one of the vehicles revealed a fire accelerant related to the crimes.

All three suspects were arrested and charged with two counts of first-degree arson as well as possession and manufacturing of a destructive device, criminal trespass, possession of tools for the commission of a crime and interference with government property.

In an unrelated incident, a sheriff’s deputy discovered the windshield and driver-side window smashed out. It appears the damage was done with a brick, police said. No suspects have been identified in this case, and law enforcement officials are seeking tips through Crime Stoppers at 404-577-TIPS (8477) or www.stopcrimeATL.com. Crime Stoppers tipsters can receive a cash reward for information leading to an arrest and indictment in this case.