ATLANTA, Ga. (CW69 Information at 10) — The murder fee is up in Atlanta, and so is the variety of arrests, in line with the Atlanta Police Division. APD joined Mayor Andre Dickens for a press convention on April 14, 2022, to launch particulars on some vital arrests made and their ongoing efforts to convey repeat offenders and fugitives to justice.
Dickens and APD lately introduced a collaborative technique to crack down crime, they usually say the hassle is paying off. “12 months up to now, APD has seized a complete of 284 firearms,” stated Dickens.
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APD knowledge reveals homicides are up by 40% this 12 months, however police say they’re doubling right down to arrest repeat offenders and fugitives by a partnership with different native, state and federal businesses.
“We do that in collaboration and understanding that criminals don’t have any boundaries,” stated APD Chief Rodney Bryant.
APD launched the next knowledge exhibiting how arrests have elevated since final 12 months:
- Aggravated assault arrests up by 18%
- Homicide-related arrests up by 283%
- Theft arrests are up by 47%
- Pre-arrest diversions are up by 46%
“These stats ought to present strong police work and strong neighborhood work collectively,” Dickens stated. “Atlanta has the very best police drive within the nation,” he added.
“We do proceed to unravel instances at a fee that’s second to none,” stated APD Murder Unit Commander Lieutenant Ralph Woolfolk.
APD’s Fugitive Unit arrested 57 fugitives between March 12 and April 7, 2022. Most of them are repeat offenders, and 12 suspects had been charged with homicide.
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“Collectively, these suspects have been arrested greater than 365 instances,” stated Bryant.
“What we don’t need to overlook is that there are 57 households who’re victims behind these perpetrators,” stated Assistant APD Chief Darin Schierbaum.
Their vital arrests embody Antonio Locklin, who has 37 prior arrests and is now charged with Aggravated Assault. In addition they embody Brandon Williams and Demetrice Ross for a murder close to the Beltline.
In one other vital arrest, Imani Spears was the second particular person taken into custody for the capturing demise of Lakevia Jackson, 31, who was shot in a car parking zone over an argument involving a bowling ball. Police beforehand arrested Joshua Fleetwood, who had a 16-cycle legal historical past.
APD experiences 88% of their homicides contain using handguns, and 40% have resulted from escalated disputes.
“I might simply encourage the criminals inside the Metropolis of Atlanta to show themselves in in case you have a warrant out in your arrest. Save your self the effort of us coming and on the lookout for you, as a result of we’ll discover you,” stated Lieutenant Brandon Puetz, who leads the Fugitive Unit.
In the course of the press convention, police thanked the neighborhood for its function in offering suggestions and movies to assist catch criminals.
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The fates of the arrested fugitives and repeat offenders are actually within the arms of the courts. Dickens says he’ll quickly launch data on a program permitting residents to observe court docket instances as they transfer by the system.
