ATLANTA — Authorities say a massive raid by local and federal agents on a southwest Atlanta apartment complex is tied to the arrest of a local rapper.
Channel 2's cameras were at the scene along Lucile Avenue around 11:30 a.m. after dozens of agents from Atlanta police, ATF and the FBI descended on the building.
Agents from the Department of Homeland Security were also spotted at the scene.
Neighbors told Channel 2's Matt Johnson that the raid started at around 5:30 a.m. Wednesday.
Sources confirm to Channel 2 Action News that the raid is related to the arrest of local rapper Ralo, whose real name is Terrell Davis.
Ralo was charged on Sunday with conspiracy to commit a felony, but much more serious charges are expected down the road.
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Neighbors said they woke up the sounds of agents kicking in doors and helicopters flying overhead.
“It scared me. I jumped up and looked out the window and seen police everywhere,” neighbor Tony Daniels said. “There were sirens going on, helicopters flying and doors kicking in."
Federal agents from at least three agencies moved in Wednesday morning at the apartment the complex on Lucile Avenue known by neighbors as "Lil Pakistan."
Sources tell Channel 2 Action News the raid is in connection with Ralo’s arrest.
“I want to see him get out because I love the man,” Haroun Wakil said.
Wakil said he's worked with Ralo on community events for children and the homeless. He said he's surprised federal authorities would target him.
“The people in the community love him. I’ve seen people change their lives just because of him,” Wakil said.
Sources say Ralo was arrested Sunday at DeKalb-Peachtree Airport and authorities found a large amount of marijuana with him.
Authorities did not say what they seized in the raid on Wednesday, but friends told Johnson they took one of the rapper's Islamic flags.
Federal charges are expected, but the federal agencies Johnson contacted Wednesday night could not reveal information about the ongoing investigation.
“He’s not what people think he is. He's a good person,” Wakil said.
Johnson spoke to a couple of neighbors who were too afraid to go on camera because they say their homes and cars have been hit by stray bullets that have come from this complex.
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