(Snellville, Georgia)  Since March 2019 Gwinnett County and the Metro Atlanta area have seen an increase in crimes against Asian business owners.  Gwinnett Police have received reports of nine such cases.  One case occurred on May 26, 2019 at 2797 Apple Orchard Trail in unincorporated Snellville.  The victim was followed home from his business and was assaulted, robbed, and burglarized.

Detectives from the Robbery Unit and Burglary Unit were able to locate evidence at the scene, which was processed and collected by CSI.  This evidence led to the development of probable cause to charge Emmanuel Rakestraw (26 years old, of Decatur) with this crime.  Rakestraw is also under investigation for criminal street gang activity.  Due to this, and the violent nature of the crime, GCPD SWAT served the arrest warrant on June 19, 2019 in Lithonia.  Rakestraw was taken into custody without incident.  Detectives are still investigating all leads and tips and are looking into any possible accomplices he may have had, as well as investigating his possible connection to similar cases in Gwinnett.  GCPD will continue to investigate these crimes, consult and work with affected agencies in the Metro area, and prosecute those responsible.

If anyone has any information to share in this case, 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.  Case Number:  19-047666