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

Atlanta Police announced Friday that they had arrested 6 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 APD Lt. Paul Guerrucci.  "Getting these men off the streets will make Atlanta, and the metro area, a safer place, without question."

Officials said the suspects are responsible for at least 6 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 unsolved 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 were cautious about releasing details."This is an active investigation," Guerrucci said.

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

LaDarius Gibbs - Charged with 3 Carjackings. On 1/11/13 at 42 11th street, also on 1/11/13 at I-75/I-85 Southbound near Williams Street, and on 1/2/13 at 3295 Northside Pkwy.

Derek Turner - Charged with 3 carjackings. On 1/11/13 at 42 11th street, and on 1/12/13 at 564 Gresham Avenue, and on 1/19/13 at 575 Gresham Avenue.

Brandon Washington - Charged with carjacking on Northside Parkway.

Andre Clark - Charged with 2 carjackings. Northside Parkway, and on 12/29/12 at 97 Estoria Street.

Raphael 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."

Anyone with information on these carjacking or ANY carjackings are asked to call the Atlanta Crimestoppers tip line at 404-577-8477.

See also:

• Carjacking crew hits Midtown, unsuspecting good Samaritans
• Midtown Neighborhood Carjacking at High Noon in Highly Visible Driveway
• Suspect identified in Midtown carjacking of popular R&B singer