A 17-year-old suspect in an overnight armed robbery was captured Thursday morning following an hourslong SWAT operation in Gwinnett County.
Tavares Barnett was charged with armed robbery and obstruction in connection with the incident, Gwinnett police announced.
The search for Barnett began about 10:30 p.m. Wednesday when he allegedly robbed a Chevron gas station in the 1200 block of Scenic Highway, according to Gwinnett police spokeswoman Cpl. Michele Pihera.
Credit: JOHN SPINK / JSPINK@AJC.COM
Credit: JOHN SPINK / JSPINK@AJC.COM
Officers learned Barnett lived nearby on Stratford Drive and was possibly inside the residence. A SWAT team was called in an attempt to arrest him.
Authorities shut down a portion of Ga. 124 at Webb Gin House Road, an area near the entrance to the Shoppes at Webb Gin.
After several hours, officers discovered the man was no longer in the home, according to Pihera.
“As the officers were packing up their gear, they received a tip that the suspect was seen walking down Webb Gin House Road,” she said. “He fled from the officers but was eventually captured.”
Barnett was taken to a hospital with minor injuries. After he was treated, he was taken to the Gwinnett jail, where he remains.
Authorities reopened Ga. 124 around 8:40 a.m. after wrapping up their investigation.
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