Gwinnett police arrest three suspects for damage to patrol cars, looking for another

Gwinnett Police have arrested three suspects in connection to two incidences of damage to patrol cars outside of the officers’ homes.

Alvin Joseph, age 21 of Lawrenceville, Lakaila Mack, age 20 of Dacula and Ebuka Chike-Morah, age 21 of Duluth each face two counts of 1^st degree arson and other charges.

According to a report from the department, the suspects allegedly attempted to set fire to and targeted the vehicles with Molotov cocktails. The incidents took place between 10 p.m. and midnight on June 2^nd, one outside of an officer’s home in Duluth and another in Lawrenceville.

In the first incident in Duluth, a caller to the 911 center reported seeing a patrol car on fire outside of the officer’s home. When the Gwinnett County Fire Department arrived, the fire had been extinguished and witnesses reported seeing three black males running from the vehicle.

A second call to 911 from Lawrenceville reported a suspect attempting to set fire to the patrol car outside the officer’s home. Instead the fire started on the ground near the car and was quickly extinguished. Witnesses reported seeing a dark colored passenger car fleeing the area shortly after. Officers noted two dents in the side of the patrol car, as well. 

Lawrenceville Police located a vehicle in connection with the cases and arrested Joseph, who was driving. Mack was a passenger in the vehicle with Joseph and taken to GCPD Headquarters for questioning. She was placed under arrest following questioning.

Investigators with GCPD worked with Gwinnett County Fire Department Arson Unit, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives to locate Chike-Morah.

A search warrant was issued for the vehicles of Joseph and Chike-Morah. A search of one of the vehicles located accelerant related to the crimes.

All three suspects will face charges relating to both cases.

Joseph faces full charges of: Arson 1^st Degree – Felony (2 counts), Possession and Manufacturing of Destructive Device – Felony (2 counts), Criminal Trespass – Misdemeanor (2 counts), Possession of Tools for the Commission of a Crime – Felony (2 counts), Interference with Government Property – Felony (2 counts), Interference with Government Property – Misdemeanor (1 count), and Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon – Felony (1 count).

Mack faces full charges of: Arson 1^st Degree – Felony (2 counts), Possession and Manufacturing of Destructive Device – Felony (2 counts), Criminal Trespass – Misdemeanor (2 counts), Possession of Tools for the Commission of a Crime – Felony (2 counts), Interference with Government Property – Felony (2 counts).

Chike-Morah faces full charges of Arson 1^st Degree – Felony (2 counts), Possession and Manufacturing of Destructive Device – Felony (2 counts), Criminal Trespass – Misdemeanor (2 counts), Possession of Tools for the Commission of a Crime – Felony (2 counts), Interference with Government Property – Felony (2 counts).

All three are currently held at the Gwinnett County Jail without bond.

Gwinnett Police officers are still looking for a suspect in an unrelated case. A GCPD officer found the windshield and driver’s side window of his patrol car smashed on the morning of June 3^rd outside of his home in Lawrenceville.

Authorities believe the damage was caused by a brick thrown into the vehicle. Anyone with information on the case is encouraged to contact Crime Stoppers at 404-577-TIPS (8477) or www.stopcrimeATL.com.