Gang-Related Drive-By Shooting Leads to Multiple Arrests in Spalding County

The Spalding County Sheriff’s Office has arrested three individuals, including two adults and one juvenile, in connection with a gang-related drive-by shooting that occurred on Sunday, May 4, 2025, in the 1000 block of Chesterwoods Court.

At approximately 11:18 p.m. on May 4th, deputies responded to reports of property damage caused by gunfire at 1007 and 1009 Chesterwoods Court. Upon arrival, they found that the residence at 1007 had sustained damage from multiple gunshots, while 1009 was struck once. Investigators located spent shell casings in the roadway in front of 1007.

Sheriff Darrell Dix stated that a S.T.I.N.G. Unit Investigator was called to the scene due to potential gang involvement. A neighborhood canvass revealed security camera footage from a nearby residence capturing a suspect vehicle in the area at the time of the shooting. The suspect vehicle was later positively identified.

On Monday, May 6, 2025, at 6:38 p.m., Spalding County Special Operations and S.T.I.N.G. investigators located and stopped the suspect vehicle. The driver, 18-year-old Toriyah Gotell of Griffin, was taken into custody for questioning. The vehicle was seized as evidence, and a search warrant was obtained. Following the interview and search, Gotell was arrested for her involvement in the incident.

Over the following days, further investigation and recovered evidence led to the issuance of criminal arrest warrants for 19-year-old Andre Noble Jr., also of Griffin, and a male juvenile from Griffin.

On Tuesday, May 13, 2025, at approximately 8:30 a.m., the Spalding County Sheriff’s Office S.W.A.T. team executed a search warrant at 424 Lakeview Street in Griffin. During the search, a firearm was recovered, and Andre Noble Jr. was arrested. He is currently being held at the Spalding County Detention Center. Investigators are actively searching for the involved juvenile.

The individuals arrested and the charges they face are:

• Andre Noble Jr., 19:
  • Aggravated Assault (4 counts)
  • Criminal Damage to Property (2 counts)
  • Violation of Georgia Street Gang Act (8 counts)
• Toriyah Gotell, 18:
  • Aggravated Assault (4 counts)
  • Criminal Damage to Property (2 counts)
  • Violation of Georgia Street Gang Act (4 counts)

Sheriff Dix commended the work of his deputies and investigators, stating, “Our STING Unit, Criminal Investigators, and Special Operations Agents, worked together and did a great job in identifying the suspects, gathering evidence, conducting interviews, linking the suspects to the drive by, and locating where they were laying their heads. Then our SWAT Team paid them a visit that they will remember for the rest of their lives.”

He further emphasized that these types of incidents are often targeted, though stray rounds can endanger innocent individuals. Sheriff Dix also criticized the “cowardice” of gang members involved in such acts.