CLAYTON COUNTY, Ga. — A manhunt is underway for a suspect who managed to break out of his handcuffs after an early morning police raid in Clayton County.
Only Channel’s 2 Mark Winne was there as police burst into the home Thursday around 4:15 a.m.
Shortly after Winne talked to several of the men who were hauled out of the home, one of the suspects got away.
Clayton County Police Chief Mike Register says the operation was picture perfect until it was almost over, when suspect Larry Edwards slipped out of his flex cuffs and escaped.
Police said the suspects are responsible for over 20 violent robberies targeting the homes of Asian business owners.
Dramatic video showed officers using a flash bang before entering the home.
Winne confronted the suspects as they were taken out by the officers.
“What’s your side of the story? Are you involved in some armed robberies?” Winne asked.
One suspect said, “Nah. I don't nothing about no armed robbery man. That's what this all about?”
Capt. Richard Gandee said D'Mario Latron Beard was charged with theft by receiving and felon in possession of a firearm. Gregory Dwon Fletcher was charged with four counts of armed robbery, seven counts of aggravated assault and a burglary. Larry Demon Edwards was charged with misdemeanor obstruction.
All three are under investigation for a possible connection to at least 20 home invasions around metro Atlanta.
Authorities say Edwards slipped out of his handcuffs just minutes after the raid.
“He slipped the handcuffs and got out of the vehicle. And we are currently back in a foot pursuit with him,” said Woodall.
Clayton County Police Captain Richard Gandee said at Fletcher's home, investigators found ID belonging to several crime victims, including at least two of the victims in the eight home invasions in Clayton County.
“We suspect four in these series of robberies. DeKalb County locked one up a couple of weeks ago,” said Clayton County police Maj. Joe Woodall.
Register says if you see Edwards, you should call 911. He said he should be considered armed and dangerous with a propensity for violence.
WSBTV
