An alleged robbery and carjacking that prompted a two-hour lockdown on the Kennesaw State University campus last week started with the click of an app in DeKalb County, according to arrest warrants obtained Thursday.
Giovanni Brown, Marquise Adams and an unidentified suspect called for an Uber ride in DeKalb near the intersection of Fairington and Panola roads Jan. 24, Channel 2 Action News reported. Cobb County police said they were then driven about 40 miles to a Waffle House across from the KSU campus in the 3300 block of Frey Road.
“Firearms were pointed at the (Uber driver) during the hijacking to force him to surrender the vehicle,” the warrants stated.
The suspects allegedly took the ride-share driver’s wallet and told him to get into the trunk of the 2023 Cadillac CT4, but he was able to run away, according to the warrants. They then drove the vehicle toward campus, police said.
“What this driver experienced is terrifying and we are grateful he was unharmed,” an Uber spokesperson told The Atlanta Journal-Constitution on Thursday. “We’ve been in touch with him and have reached out to offer our support during this difficult time. Our dedicated team is standing ready to assist law enforcement in their investigations however we can.”
Campus police issued an alert around 6:20 p.m. after receiving reports about at least one intruder on the campus, which is just off I-75 and near Cobb County International Airport.
“I was in my room leaving, that’s when I got the text and call,” student Ryan Oldham told Channel 2. “We put a table in front of the window just to make sure nothing could see us through there.”
KSU Emergency: Kennesaw Campus: Remain secured in place. Armed suspects reported on campus. Police searching the area.
— KSU Emergency Management (@ksuoem) January 25, 2024
The Cadillac was found by officers near a student housing building on Idlewood Avenue and a suspect was spotted running across I-75 near Wade Green Road, the incident report states.
After a brief foot chase, Adams, of Lithonia, was arrested by both Cobb and KSU police. He was found with the keys to the stolen Cadillac, according to police. Two pistols were also located. He was charged with armed robbery and aggravated assault.
Brown, also of Lithonia, was arrested and booked into the Cobb jail two days later, according to online records. He is facing charges of armed robbery, kidnapping, hijacking a motor vehicle and aggravated assault. He is being held without bond.
The third suspect remains at large, according to police.
No shots were fired on campus and no injuries were reported, authorities said.
— Please return to The Atlanta Journal-Constitution for updates.
