Arrest made in pawn shop shooting

By Alexis Stevens

The Atlanta Journal-Constitution

An arrest has been made in last week's shooting and robbery at a Doraville pawn shop.

Diante Antwon Johnson, 26, made his first appearance in DeKalb County Magistrate Court late Thursday. Before the judge entered the courtroom, Johnson had to be restrained by an officer after he lashed out at a reporter's video camera.

He was denied bond by Judge Mary Whiteman.

Johson faces numerous charges, including aggravated assault with intent to murder, kidnapping and false imprisonment. He was arrested Tuesday at a relative's home in Clarkston.

A second suspect  is still at large.

"We want him as bad as we wanted Mr. Johnson," said Doraville police spokesman Gene Callaway.

The two are accused of making off with $100,000 worth of jewelry, according to police.

Police said Johnson and another man entered HK Jewelry and Pawn in the 5600 block of Buford Highway on Sept. 16 looking for jewelry. Both men pulled out guns and Johnson shot the store owner in the left cheek with a .380-calibre handgun, police said.

Johnson then allegedly dragged the man to the back room of the store and used plastic ties to bind his hands, according to the charges read in the courtroom.

The second suspect beat the pawn shop owner's wife, police said.

The two then fled the scene covered in their victims' blood. The incident lasted about five to seven minutes.

The pawn shop owner pursued the suspect despite his wounds but collapsed outside the store. He had the bullet removed from his head, and is now in stable condition.

Police have not released the names of the victims.

Johnson joked with other inmates seated in court and told the judge he wanted his belongings returned, including his cell phone and cash.

Johnson's preliminary hearing will be delayed until Oct. 19, Whiteman said. Johnson declined to sign the court document acknowledging his next court appearance.