🌱 Gwinnett's New Gun Crimes Unit + Community Meeting Tonight

Hey, everybody. I'm back with the latest Loganville-Grayson Patch newsletter, with an update on what's happening in our community. Today you'll read about these stories and more:

• Police do not suspect foul play in death of missing Walton County man
• Gwinnett County is getting a Whataburger and it might be open by the end of the month
• Police arrested and charged an Athens teen for the Barrow Crossing shooting

But first, today's weather: Cloudy with a little bit of rain and cooler temperatures will put a little chill in the air. The high is 62 and the low is 47 with rain coming in during the afternoon.

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Here are the top stories in Loganville-Grayson today:

1. The Gwinnett County Police has created a new Gun Crimes Unit to help combat gun violence. Combining "technology, investigations, and community awareness," police hope to prevent gun-related crimes by being proactive. The fingerprint technology helps police study "extreme close-ups of shell casings collected from crime scenes," and connect crimes using a central database. The police are also working with the community to educate the public on gun safety, as 91 percent of guns stolen are taken from cars. Gun safety classes will be held on March 15 and April 12. (FOX 5 Atlanta)
2. Barrow County Sheriff's deputies arrested 18-year-old Edwin Emiliano Rodriguez-Pena, from Athens for the shooting of a juvenile at the popular shopping center, Barrow Crossing, last weekend. The juvenile was transported to the hospital, with multiple gunshot wounds, for treatment. Rodriguez-Pena was charged with multiple felonies, and is being held at Barrow County jail, however, no motive for the shooting has been released. (Monroe Local)
3. The family of Nathan Millard have been told that he most likely died from an accidental overdose, after he went missing in Baton Rouge, however, toxicology reports are still pending. The autopsy showed "no internal or external trauma" to his body. Although his body was found wrapped in plastic and in a rug, investigators do not believe his death was related to any "foul play." Surveillance video shows that he appeared at locations under his own power showing no signs of distress from the Wednesday night he disappeared until the next Thursday at about 4:30 a.m. The investigation is ongoing, and police want to talk with the person or persons who may have moved Millard's body to the location where he was discovered. If anyone has information, please call Crime Stoppers at 225-344-7867. (WLBT)

Today in Loganville-Grayson:

• Volunteer for a great cause with Hunger for Hope, at the Gwinnett County Fairgrounds in Lawrenceville, helping to pack meals for children in need. (9:00 am - 8:30 pm)
• If you're looking for great deals, they're right down the road, starting today, at the Tykes, Tots, and Teens Consignment Sale held at the Georgia International Horse Park. (10:00 am)
• Join author, Lynn Cullen, at the Duluth Library branch, for her book sale and signing of "The Woman with the Cure." (7:00 pm)

From my notebook:

• Gwinnett Police Department will be hosting a community meeting tonight at 6:30 p.m. at Universal Church at 6081 Singleton Road in Norcross to specifically address the number of recent teen homicides and overdoses in Gwinnett County. Members of the Criminal Investigations unit, West Precinct and Chief J.D. McClure will all be a part of a panel discussion to address questions regarding police procedure, concerns about specific neighborhood activity, and additional topics that may come up during the discussion. "Spanish language assistance will be available" during the meeting. (Monroe Local)
• Happy news for Whataburger fans! The fourth @whataburger location in Georgia is planning to open this month in Buford. Whataburger at The Exchange at Gwinnett is hoping they will be ready to serve their burgers at the end of the month. (Instagram)
• Blake Watts has been named the next Piedmont Walton Hospital CEO, transitioning into the role from Piedmont Rockdale Hospital, where he has served as CEO since 2016. His medical career began as an officer and administrator in the U.S. Army Medical Service Corps, and he has served in numerous roles in healthcare administration. He and his family have lived in Walton County for over 17 years, and he has supported healthcare in and around Walton County for just as long. (Monroe Local)

Now you're in the loop and ready to head out the door on this Thursday! See you tomorrow for your next update.