Gwinnett authorities arrested two of the "rooftop burglars" who have been breaking into businesses by entering through the roof.
Dontiez Pendergrass, 23, and Libirio Carlisle, 18, were arrested Monday by the Gwinnett County Police SWAT team. The two have been charged with breaking in and stealing money from Omely Café; La Conifianza Carniceria; Carmelitas Mexicana; and El Tapatio Supermercado and the Han Café. All five are located on Jimmy Carter Boulevard in unincorporated Norcross.
The burglaries took place between Jan. 26 and Feb. 22. Police said the men would enter through the roof of a business. Once inside, they would take cash from the register and vending machines and then leave through the front door.
Police said two of the men were wearing the same distinct clothing on surveillance tape. They did not elaborate on what that distinct clothing was.
Authorities had a break in the case Monday when officers saw three men crouching behind a Hispanic grocery store near Jimmy Carter Boulevard and Britt Road. One of the men was wearing the same distinct clothing that was shown in the surveillance tapes, police said.
Authorities said they tried talking to the three men, but they all ran away.
Police said they started receiving anonymous phone calls about the three men after information about the burglaries was released by local media.
Police went to the 6200 block of Green Hill Drive and saw Pendergrass leaving in a car. Police arrested Pendergrass after a brief foot chase.
He was charged with one count of burglary as well as traffic violations, obstruction of a law enforcement officer, giving a false name as well as having outstanding warrants from probation violations and other charges.
Officers found Carlisle inside the Green Hill Drive residence. They also found evidence from the burglaries as well as tools commonly used to break-in a building. The same distinct clothing was found inside as well.
Carlisle was arrested and charged with one count of burglary.
Investigators said they are getting additional warrants against Pendergrass and Carlisle. Additional charges may be pending.
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