Video Game Play Turns Into Real Life Grand Theft Auto: Police

NORCROSS, GA — Video game play turned into a real-life grand theft auto case when players got mad and decided to rob the people they were playing with, according to the Gwinnett County Police Department. The Gwinnett Robbery Unit needs the public’s help in identifying a man and a woman in a December 2018 armed car robbery.

On Saturday, Dec. 22, the victims were playing video games with some acquaintances at The Grove at Stonebrook apartment complex at 1405 Beaver Ruin Road in unincorporated Norcross. At one point, one person got mad and the victims said that they were leaving. As the victims began to leave, several people pulled out guns and robbed them. They went through their pockets and stole several items. One of the victims left his car keys behind, belonging to a Dodge Charger. The theft victims fled the apartment and tried to find someone who could loan them a phone to call 911.

As they were running away, they saw a man and woman inside the Charger. As the vehicle was leaving the complex, it struck another vehicle.

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On Monday, January 14, the vehicle was seen at the Walmart at 1400 Lawrenceville Highway. A man and woman were seen getting out of the vehicle. They went inside and eventually committed shoplifting before leaving in the same vehicle.

The vehicle has since been recovered, but the detective assigned to this case needs to identify those responsible for the thefts. Police are asking the members of the community to look at these photos and to call in tips if they recognize one or both of the suspects.

If anyone has any information to share in this case, please contact GCPD detectives at 770-513-5300. To remain anonymous, tipsters should contact Crime Stoppers at 404-577-TIPS (8477) or visit www.stopcrimeATL.com. Crime Stoppers tipsters can receive a cash reward for information leading to an arrest and indictment in this case. Case Number: 18-118745, 18-118737, 18-118739