Two people were arrested Wednesday in unincorporated Lawrenceville during an auto break-in investigation which led to the recovery of a stolen firearm.
According to a press release from the Gwinnett County Police Department, officers responded Wednesday at about 3:30 a.m. to a suspicious activity call in the area of Drayton Manor Run.
"A citizen described seeing two male suspects trying to break into vehicles and running between houses in the area," the release said. "While officers were responding to the area, a red passenger vehicle was observed leaving the incident location at a high rate of speed."
Officers initiated a traffic stop on the vehicle and an investigation ensued. The two occupants of the vehicle were identified as Brice Harris, 18, of Lithonia, and Ja'darrius Head, 18, of Stone Mountain. A search of the vehicle yielded several pieces of stolen property, including a firearm reported stolen from a vehicle in a prior incident the week before.
Both suspects were arrested and booked into the Gwinnett County Jail.
Head was charged with Loitering and Prowling, Entering Auto with Intent to Commit a Theft or Felony and Criminal Attempt to Commit a Felony.
Harris was charged with Theft by Receiving Stolen Property, Loitering and Prowling, Possession of Tools for Commission of a Crime, Entering Auto with Intent to Commit a Theft or Felony, Criminal Attempt to Commit a Felony, and Possession of Marijuana Less Than One Ounce.
The agency reminded residents of the following tips to protect your vehicles and valuables:
- Take your vehicle’s key; do not leave it in or on your vehicle.
- Close and lock all windows and doors when you park.
- Park in well-lit areas if possible.
- Never leave valuables in your vehicle, such as firearms, especially if they can be seen from outside the vehicle.
- Install a dashcam and antitheft system if possible.
