Arrests in social media criminal trespass trend

The following was released today by the Gwinnett County Police Department

(Suwanee, Ga., Sept. 3, 2026) – Gwinnett County Police officers have responded to four separate trespassing incidents at a private residence in the 3900 block of Westbrook Road in Suwanee. Investigators determined that several of those involved learned about the residence through social media videos portraying the property as an abandoned location to explore.

The four incidents resulted in five adult arrests and seven juvenile contacts. The adults arrested were Vance Smith, Jackson White, Alexa Cruz, Arthur Silva, and Nathan Nelson. Adult charges included Criminal Trespass, Loitering and Prowling, and Giving a False Name or Date of Birth to a Law Enforcement Officer. Of the seven juveniles involved, four were charged with Criminal Trespass and three were issued Criminal Trespass warnings.

During the incidents, individuals entered the property without permission, including by climbing over fences or gates and entering the residence. Several of those involved told officers they learned about the location through TikTok and went to the property to explore or take photographs. Surveillance footage was also used during the investigations to identify individuals who entered the property.

Although the residence is currently unoccupied, it remains privately owned and is not open to the public. The Gwinnett County Police Department reminds the public that social media posts portraying a residence, business, or other property as abandoned do not provide permission to enter.

Criminal Trespass and other related offenses can result in arrest and prosecution, regardless of whether the activity is intended for exploration, entertainment, or social media content.

If anyone has any information to share in these cases, please contact GCPD detectives at 770.513.5300. To remain anonymous, tipsters should contact Crime Stoppers at 404.577.TIPS (8477) or visit www.stopcrimeATL.com.  Crime Stoppers tipsters can receive a cash reward for information leading to an arrest and indictment in this case.