Brookhaven Police, assisted by video generated by its Real Time Operation Center and its drone cameras, arrested a man suspected of breaking into an auto on Peachtree Road in broad daylight on Nov. 19.
After a 911 call to police around 2:40 p.m., the operation center captured the suspect crossing Peachtree near Dresden Drive, heading towards the Brookhaven MARTA station. When police attempted to stop the man, who was later identified as Fredrico Muhammad, 18, of Atlanta, he jumped the entrance turnstile and ran up the stairs leading to the train platform.
Police quickly arrested Muhammad, who was wearing thick gloves, a face mask, and a hooded jacket, despite the 72-degree weather.
While being placed in cuffs, the suspect said, “I didn’t do anything,” and “What did I do?” as he was cuffed.
Brookhaven Police Chief Brandon Gurley said the department’s technology has allowed for quicker apprehensions.
“Using our RTOC and cameras allows us to direct our resources to possible suspects instead of reporting to the crime scene,” Gurley said. “Our clearance rate increases significantly when we use these tools in concert.”
Further investigation revealed that Muhammad had an active warrant in Lake City, FL., police said. He was charged with vehicle theft, criminal attempt to commit a felony, loitering or prowling, entering a vehicle, and obstruction of justice.
DeKalb County Sheriff records indicate that he is still being held in the DeKalb County Jail.