A Chattanooga man has been arrested for two armed robberies at Gainesville businesses last year, and authorities believe he is responsible for similar crimes across the Southeast.
Alando Ray Johnson, 33, was arrested on Wednesday, Feb. 10 in the Atlanta area by U.S. Marshals, according to Gainesville Police Lt. Kevin Holbrook.
"The Gainesville Police Department has charges related to the October 2020 armed robbery at the Hibachi Express on Thompson Bridge Road as well as the December 2020 armed robbery of the Walgreen's on South Enota [Drive]," Holbrook said.
Johnson faces a long list of charges in Gainesville including five counts of armed robbery, five counts of aggravated assault, four counts of kidnapping, five counts of terroristic threats, two counts of theft by taking, two counts of firearm possession by a convicted felon and two counts of possession of a firearm during the commission of a crime.
"These are very serious crimes that he's been charged with and we're thankful that he's been taken off the streets," Holbrook said.
Holbrook said a number of agencies - local, state and federal - worked together to find Johnson. He said the FBI, ATF, U.S. Marshals, the Gwinnett County Police Department, Gwinnett County Sheriff’s Office, the Lawrenceville Police Department, Hall County Sheriff’s Office and the Lowndes County Sheriff’s Office participated in the investigation.
Holbrook said investigators in Gainesville and in other areas are working to determine if Johnson may be responsible for additional crimes.
Gainesville Police Chief Jay Parrish also issued a statement following Johnson's arrest.
"We are dedicated to serving the people of Gainesville and strive to protect them from these types of dangerous crimes," Parrish said. "Crimes such as armed robberies are difficult for police agencies to prevent; however, we can ensure they are investigated to the best of our abilities and investigated thoroughly such as this one. I applaud the officers, investigators and agents whose unified efforts brought this dangerous criminal to justice.”
