APD Arrests 6 Carjacking Suspects; Group May be Linked to Homicides

Atlanta Police announced Friday that they had arrested six suspected carjackers and charged them in a string of incidents across the city and neighboring communities.

"These are significant arrests, because carjacking is a violent crime that often leads to even more dangerous crimes," said Lt. Paul Guerrucci.  "Getting these men off the streets will make Atlanta, and the metro area, a safer place, without question."

Police were cautious about releasing details."This is an active investigation," Guerrucci said.

Officials said the suspects are responsible for at least six carjackings, and all of the vehicles have been recovered at this point. APD would not discuss details about the state of the recovered cars or whether they were sold to chop shops or used in smash and grab break-ins.

Police also said the suspects may be involved in additional carjackings and unsolvied homicides.

APD spokesman Carlos Campos shared that investigators are "also looking into the possibility that they may be involved in armed pedestrian robberies as well."

Police released this list of suspects and the crimes they are suspected of committing:

• LaDarius Gibbs - Charged with three Carjackings. On Jan. 11, 2013 at 42 11th St. and at I-75/I-85 Southbound near Williams Street, and on Jan. 2, 2013 at 3295 Northside Pkwy.

• Derek Turner - Charged with three carjackings. On Jan 11, 2013 at 42 11th St.; Jan. 12, 2013 at 564 Gresham Ave. in East Atlanta and Jan. 19, 2013 at 575 Gresham Ave., also in East Atlanta.

• Brandon Washington - Charged with carjacking on Northside Parkway.

• Andre Clark - Charged with two carjackings. Northside Parkway, and on Dec. 29, 2012 at 97 Estoria St. in Cabbagetown.

• Rapheal Banks - Arrested by Georgia State Patrol on a Cobb County case.

• Ronald Washington - Charged with carjacking on Northside Parkway.

Atlanta Chief of Police George Turner held the press conference Friday in cooperation with police agencies from Cobb, Dekalb, and Gwinnett.

At the time of the press conference Lt. Guerrucci said one suspect was still at large. That suspect was arrested soon after.

Police would not say if they thought the suspects are involved with a gang.

"We found a pattern which led to arrests," Guerrucci said. "The carjackings occurred all over and cannot be pinned down to a specific neighborhood."