By Joe Johnson
The Athens-Clarke County Police Department this week continued its crackdown on local criminal street gang activity by arresting the 19th known gang member since the initiative began several weeks ago.
According to police, 19-year-old Markeith Lenard Martin of Cavalier Road was arrested Thursday on a warrant for a Nov. 18 burglary of a home on Cavalier Court.
He was taken into custody by detectives who were aware of the warrant and saw Martin driving a car on Atlanta Highway, police said.
“At the time of his arrest, Martin was out on bond for a burglary arrest from December 9, 2021,” said Lt. Shaun Barnett, ACCPD’s public information officer.
“This is Martin’s second arrest since the beginning of the (street gang) initiative,” Barnett said. “In addition to the arrests, ACCPD has seized 12 firearms, as well as drugs and stolen property. ACCPD is committed to protecting the community and will continue to focus our efforts on violent criminal street gangs.”
Police requested that anyone with information about criminal street gang activity to use ACCPD’s Crime Tip Line at 706-705-4775, email the Gang Unit at gangunit@accgov.com, or contact the unit through its anonymous online tip website: https://www.accgov.com/FormCenter/Police-27/Criminal-Gang-Activity Tips-759.