Douglasville Police Department Announces Major Arrests and Ongoing Investigations – November 2024
The Douglasville Police Department highlighted several key incidents and ongoing investigations in November 2024, across various divisions.
Patrol Division Arrests: On November 1, a corporal with the D Team patrol shift conducted a traffic stop that resulted in the driver facing multiple charges. The driver was arrested for possession of methamphetamine (Schedule 2), possession of a firearm during the commission of a felony, misdemeanor marijuana possession, and several traffic-related offenses. The passenger was also arrested for possession of ecstasy (Schedule 1) and misdemeanor marijuana. The arrest came after officers identified the driver and passenger engaging in illegal activities, ensuring swift action by law enforcement.
Crime Reduction Unit – Major Interstate Arrest: The Crime Reduction Unit made a significant breakthrough on November 27 after learning that a group of individuals responsible for a string of automobile burglaries across the southeastern United States had returned to the Memphis, TN, area, possibly continuing their crime spree. Using advanced tracking technology, the Douglasville Police began tracking the suspects’ location along I-20 East near Lee Road. At 5:36 AM, officers observed the suspects exit onto Highway 5 from I-20 West, likely preparing to commit further crimes.
A coordinated effort between the Crime Reduction Unit and patrol units led to the suspects being stopped, with Tennessee authorities requesting a hold on the vehicle. After obtaining a search warrant, officers recovered numerous stolen items, including five handguns, credit cards, checkbooks, social security cards, purses, wallets, and a backpack blower. The investigation revealed that the suspects had been involved in automobile burglaries across multiple cities, including Oxford, MS; Memphis, TN; Oakland, TN; Birmingham, AL; Covington, GA; Oconee County, GA; and Henry County, GA. The two suspects, who were out on federal parole at the time of their arrest, had their parole revoked, and federal authorities have now taken over the case.
Crimes Against Persons – Child Abuse Case: On November 15, detectives responded to Burnett Elementary School after a report from the Department of Family and Children’s Services (DFCS) of possible child abuse. A child had been found with a scratch from his hairline to his eyebrow and reported that his mother’s roommate had beaten him with a hanger. The child stated that he had been struck multiple times, leaving him sore, and that he had a knot on his head. The investigation confirmed that the child’s claims were accurate. The suspect, the mother’s roommate, was arrested and charged with first-degree cruelty to children and battery.
Crimes Against Property – Fraud Investigation: Detectives investigated a theft by deception at the Wal-Mart on Thornton Road after a suspect persuaded a cashier to use a Wells Fargo card as a cash transaction for $1,573.74. The charge was later identified as fraudulent. Through a combination of solid investigative skills, social media searches, and persistent phone calls, detectives identified the suspect, who was linked to the fraudulent transaction. The suspect, believed to be from Michigan, had been in the area driving a rental vehicle and was subsequently charged with felony theft by deception.
Special Operations Division – DUI Warning: The Special Operations Division issued a public warning on November 20 about the dangers of driving under the influence of marijuana. The division emphasized that driving under the influence of marijuana is equivalent to driving under the influence of alcohol. Additionally, the odor of marijuana alone provides probable cause for law enforcement officers to stop and search vehicles for evidence of marijuana use. This reminder is part of the department’s continued efforts to promote safer roads in the community.
Community Events – November: In November, the Douglasville Police Department held several community events aimed at engaging with local residents. The Cars & Cops event allowed community members to interact with officers and learn about various law enforcement vehicles. The department also hosted a Town Hall meeting where citizens could voice concerns and engage with officers on issues affecting the community. Additionally, the department launched a Toy Drive for Community Children to support families in need during the holiday season, demonstrating the department’s ongoing commitment to community welfare.
