News Releases

WHAT:         District 3 Commissioner Jasper Watkins III will host “Trapped and Trafficked”, a Human Trafficking Awareness Town Hall focused on education, prevention, survivor support and available community resources. The event will feature panel discussions and a resource fair

(Lawrenceville, Ga., Jan. 23, 2026) – Chairwoman Nicole Love Hendrickson has issued a declaration of local emergency in advance of the major winter storm forecasted by the National Weather Service. 

WHAT:           Gwinnett County leadership will hold a news conference to share information about the County’s storm preparation and vital resources to help keep residents safe during the winter storm.

(Buford, Ga., Jan. 21, 2026) – At 7:28 p.m., firefighters responded to a report of a business fire at Dillard's in the Mall of Georgia at 3333 Buford Drive in Buford. 911 callers stated there was a dumpster fire in front of the mall, and the flames were catching the building on fire.  

(Duluth, Ga., Jan. 20, 2026) – Firefighters responded late Monday night to a structure fire at the Cortland Duluth Apartments, located at 1335 Herrington Road NW, following multiple reports of smoke entering apartment units.

(Lawrenceville, Ga., Jan. 16, 2026) – Gwinnett County Chairwoman Nicole Love Hendrickson will serve as Grand Marshal of the 2026 Martin Luther King Jr. Day Parade and Celebration, hosted by the United Ebony Society of Gwinnett County on Monday, Jan. 19.

(Norcross, Ga., Jan. 14, 2026) – Gwinnett County Police VICE Investigators arrest a 36-year-old for trying meet up with a 14-year-old female. 

(Lawrenceville, Ga., 1/13/26) – Gwinnett Judicial Circuit District Attorney Patsy Austin-Gatson announced her Office's decision to not file charges in connection with the August 8, 2025, shooting death of Tevin Hood.

(Lawrenceville, Ga., Jan. 12, 2026) The Gwinnett County Police Department will host a police officer hiring event Friday February 6 from 3:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. and Saturday February 7 from 8:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.

Update:

(Lawrenceville, Ga., Jan. 12, 2026) – Detectives have identified the victim as Abel Alejandro Unzicker Chavez (36, Snellville).  Derrick Devon Thomas (30, Snellville) has been charged with Felony Murder, Aggravated Assault, Possession of a Firearm during a Felony and Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon.  Detectives are still investigating what led up to the shooting.

(Lilburn, Ga., Jan. 11, 2026) – Firefighters responded at 6:23 p.m. to a report of a house fire at the 200 block of Sandra Drive in Lilburn. The 911 caller advised that the house was burning, and people were still inside the home.

(Lawrenceville, Ga., Jan. 9, 2026) – Gwinnett County Police Special Victim Unit detectives arrested a Gwinnett County Sheriff’s Deputy during an investigation involving a minor.

Updated:

(Lawrenceville, Ga., Jan. 8, 2026) – Christopher Clark has been located and is safe.

Original:

(Lawrenceville, Ga., Dec. 3, 2025) – The Gwinnett County Police Department is requesting the public’s assistance in locating a missing 59-year-old from Lawrenceville.

(Lawrenceville, Ga., Jan. 7, 2026) – Gwinnett County Chairwoman Nicole Love Hendrickson will take center court this Sunday, Jan. 11, when she serves the ceremonial First Serve at the Atlanta Vibe’s home match at Gas South Arena.

(Lawrenceville, Ga., Jan. 6, 2026) – The Gwinnett County Board of Commissioners on Tuesday approved a $2.58 billion budget to fund County operations and projects for 2026, a reduction of $84.6 million from the previous year’s budget.

WHAT:              The International Walk for Peace will arrive in Gwinnett County. Chairwoman Nicole Love Hendrickson will welcome the Buddhist monks and recognize the walk.