2 arrested in connection with gas station attack on 74-year-old woman

DEKALB COUNTY, Ga. — DeKalb County sheriff’s officials announced Thursday the arrest of two suspects in the assault of a 74-year-old woman at a gas station.

The announcement comes one week after police said they arrested 17-year-old Aaron Johnson on charges of robbery by force and elder abuse in the incident. They said they were looking for two other suspects.

Thursday, DeKalb County sheriff’s deputies announced the arrest of Joshua Bryant, 20, and Tiffany Swanson, 19.

Deputies say all three were involved in the assault and carjacking of Rosa Smith.

It happened on Dec. 5 while Smith vacuumed her SUV at a Chevron gas station on Gresham Road.

Smith’s terrier mix Daphne was still inside the vehicle. The dog was found wandering in the road the same night in southwest Atlanta and was reunited with her family.

Smith, a retired attorney, was hospitalized following the attack. She didn’t suffer any broken bones, but she was left battered and bruised with gashes on her forehead, mouth and cheeks, according to police. She also complained of extreme pain in her hips.

“We pledged to give Mrs. Smith some form of justice,” DeKalb County Sheriff’s Office Chief Randy Akies said.

Deputies say tips led the fugitive squad, Atlanta police and the U.S. Marshals to Bryant and Swanson at a home on Cedar Avenue in Atlanta.

DeKalb County’s newest sheriff had a strong message for anyone thinking of committing a similar crime in the area.

“If you think you are going to intimidate the citizens of DeKalb County, especially our most vulnerable, our youth and elderly, we will pull all resources to make sure you are taken into custody,” DeKalb County Sheriff Melody Maddox said.

Deputies said Bryant and Swanson should go before a judge either Friday or early next week.

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