Suspected serial burglar arrested, charged with breaking into 9 Gwinnett apartments
A Gwinnett County man accused of several burglaries at his own apartment complex is now in custody.
Police say that between early June and early July, nine burglaries were reported at the Brentwood Downs Apartments on Pleasant Hill Road. And it’s one of their neighbors who was targeting them.
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In at least two of those burglaries, the victim was home when the burglar forced himself inside.
Megan Treadwell says she was among the victims whose homes police say 28-year-old Darrius Stokes entered while families were inside.
“It’s absolutely terrifying. You can’t really protect yourself if you don’t know they’re here,” Treadwell told Channel 2 Gwinnett County Bureau Chief Matt Johnson.
Police say Stokes broke into Treadwell’s apartment twice while she and her family slept. The second time, he allegedly stole her son’s customized PlayStation 5.
“He was very brazen, obviously. Not afraid. He was just so willing to come in people’s homes while they were there,” she said.
Police say he stole everything from electronics to safes to jewelry.
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On Thursday morning, police released body camera footage of SWAT officers making their way into Stokes’ apartment and arresting him.
While searching the apartment, officers found several stolen items.
Stokes is currently being held in the Gwinnett County Jail on nine counts of burglary and two counts of theft by deception.
Treadwell hopes her son will get his PS5 back. Police anticipate being able to notify victims soon if their stolen items have been recovered.
“I suggest he opens up his Bible and starts reading a little bit of the Word. God said we’re not supposed to be stealing from each other,” she said.
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