Crime & Safety

Men Suspected of 8 Robberies Targeting Women Across Gwinnett Arrested

Gwinnett County Police say the men followed the women home after leaving restaurants in Lawrenceville, Lilburn, Norcross and other cities in Gwinnett. They are also suspects in similar schemes in Cobb County.

Gwinnett County Police say two men suspected of a string of robberies that lasted five months and spanned two states have been arrested in Florida.

Darnell Rice, 39, and Felix Pierson, 40 were arrested in Orange County, Fla. The two are suspected in eight robberies in Gwinnett County, as well as crimes in Cobb County . 

GCPD spokesman Cpl. Jake Smith says robberies started on April 22 and ended on September 25 with the arrest of the Rice and Pierson. 

"The suspects would gather intelligence and conduct surveillance on their intended targets," said Smith in a release. "They would wait for a victim to close her business for the night, and then follow her home."

Their targets were all Asian women who worked at or owned restaurants. 

"Not all of the victims actually owned the targeted businesses, but they did leave the businesses when they closed at night," said Smith.

When the victim returned home, the suspects would allegedly be there waiting near the driveway. They would then rush up to her and take her purse, according to Smith. If the victims but up a fight, Smith said the suspects would take out a gun and demand the victim give up her purse. 

One victim was beaten after resisting. She was not seriously hurt.

According to police reports obtained by Lawrenceville Patch, some of the victims were robbed of thousands of dollars

In 2009, Rice was charged by GCPD for similar robberies targeting Asian business owners.

In late September, detectives determined Rice and Pierson were likely to commit the same type of crimes in Orange County, Fla. GCPD detectives and Orange County Sheriff's Office detectives worked together to catch the two before the robberies could be executed. 

When investigators searched Rice's vehicle, they found items belonging to victims from Gwinnett County.

Rice and Pierson are currently in custody in Florida. 

GCPD detectives are concerned there may be other cases that have gone unreported. They're asking anyone who may have been a victim and has not reported the crime to call 770-513-5000. Translation services are available.


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