The Sandy Springs Police Department has made a number of arrests in home invasions dating back to last October. Victims have included Atlanta Falcons and Atlanta United players, rapper Gunna and “Real Housewives of Atlanta” cast member Marlo Hampton, police said.
On Sunday, four people were arrested after being intercepted by Sandy Spring Police before they got into a home in the Glenridge Heights neighborhood. Officials believe the four suspects are part of a gang that has been targeting homes in Sandy Springs, primarily those of celebrities.
“The investigation has been going on for close to a year now and the intelligence-led information that we had and a little bit of luck on our side, that allowed us to be at the right place at the right time and watch them come to us,” Sgt. Matthew McGinnis said. “There have been several that have been of the celebrity type but there have been a few that are not celebrities that post on social media.”
Channel 2 Action News reported that the four suspects were targeting a home being occupied by the mother of one of the children of rapper Future. The gang has also targeted sports professionals including Atlanta Falcons and Atlanta United players, police said.
McGinnis said the gang is believed to have been involved in 15 home invasions or burglaries throughout Sandy Springs since October and is suspected in other incidents, including the burglary of rapper Gunna’s house in DeKalb County, Channel 2 reported.
Earlier this month, the home of Marlo Hampton, a cast member on “The Real Housewives of Atlanta,” was targeted. Hampton told Channel 2 she watched on her security system as armed, masked men kicked her door down on July 1.
Hampton said the suspects ran away, presumably after they heard yelling inside the home.
“I want everyone to be aware if you are posting, if you do have luxury items, be careful,” Hampton told Channel 2.
On July 4, a resident was shot and seriously injured after a home invasion on Parkside Place.
As the investigation continues, McGinnis said the agency expects to make more arrests.
“We are looking for additional people. This is just the beginning we hope of the arrest. We hope to link them to more individuals. This is not a small group, it’s a large group of people,” McGinnis said. “Be mindful that there are other people, besides good guys that are watching your social media. Guard your social media accounts, don’t leave it wide open for the world to see.”
Anyone with information about the home invasions can contact the police department at 770-551-6900.
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