15 Arrested in String of Gwinnett County Urban Air Burglaries Tied to Social Media Trend
GWINNETT COUNTY, Ga. — Gwinnett County police have arrested 15 people, including 11 adults and four juveniles, in connection with a series of after-hours burglaries at Urban Air Adventure Park locations that investigators say were inspired by a social media trend.
According to the Gwinnett County Police Department, officers have responded to seven burglaries at Urban Air Adventure Park locations since June 4.
Investigators said the incidents are linked to an online trend encouraging teenagers and young adults to unlawfully enter the businesses after closing to use arcade games and attractions while damaging property.
Police said suspects broke into the businesses after hours, used the attractions and arcade games, and committed acts of vandalism and property damage.
The following adults have been arrested:
- Amaury Armas Alvarez, 17
- Andy Colunga Castillo, 17
- John Stringer, 17
- Angel Candelaria Garcia, 17
- Christian Currin, 17
- Fernando Ramirez, 17
- Ahil Ibrahim, 17
- Kareem Liftawi, 17
- Daniel Chelnokov, 18
- Ethan Mogilinedi, 18
- Adam Ayres, 20
In addition, four juveniles were taken into custody, bringing the total number of arrests to 15.
Charges filed in the investigations include burglary, criminal trespass, loitering and prowling, criminal damage to property, and other related offenses.
Police warned that participating in criminal activity because of a social media trend can result in serious legal consequences.
“Burglary, criminal trespass, criminal damage to property, and other related offenses may result in arrest and prosecution, regardless of whether the acts are portrayed as entertainment or a social media challenge,” the department said. “Individuals considering participating in similar activity should expect that the department will pursue all available evidence, including surveillance footage and digital investigative leads, to identify those involved.”
Anyone with information about the burglaries is asked to contact Gwinnett County Police detectives at 770-513-5300. Anonymous tips can also be submitted to Crime Stoppers, and tipsters may be eligible for a cash reward if their information leads to an arrest and indictment.
