Two alleged members of a notorious street gang are in custody after Marietta police say they were linked to a series of crimes including armed robbery and aggravated assault with intent to murder.
Anthony Dishawn McCuen and Demarquez Simmons, both 19 and alleged members of the Gangster Disciples, first drew the attention of investigators after McCuen allegedly got in a dispute with 43-year-old Anthony Williams after a drug deal went bad at the Circle K near Bells Ferry Road and Williams Drive at approximately 8:30 p.m. on Jan 10. Williams allegedly stabbed McCuen, who then chased after Williams and shot him several times. Simmons was a part of the dispute and gave a false name and date of birth to investigators and was arrested, police said.
Investigators recovered two handguns near the scene, one of which had a unique appearance and allowed police to link McCuen and Simmons to a pair of armed robberies which occurred near the Circle K earlier that day. McCuen also possessed items stolen in a vehicle break-in on Jan. 9, police said.
“Drug Trafficking, Robbery, Vehicle Break-ins, Violent Assaults and Dealing in Stolen Property are a typical range of activities of criminal gang operations,” Marietta Police Chief Dan Flynn said in a statement. “The Marietta Police Department remains solid in our resolve to eradicate gang activities and prevent gangs from getting a foothold in the Marietta community. Therefore, we are proud of the Marietta officers and detectives who worked together so effectively to expose these gang members and bring them to justice. “
McCuen has been charged with aggravated assault with intent to murder, possession of a firearm during the commission of a crime, discharge of a weapon near a street, possession of a handgun, two counts of armed robbery, theft by receiving, and violating the Criminal Street Gang Act.
Simmons has been charged with giving a false name and date of birth, possession of marijuana with intent to distribute, obstructing an investigation, two counts of armed robbery, two counts of possession of a firearm during the commission of a crime, and violating the Criminal Street Gang Act. Simmons was also arrested for violating his probation.
Williams, who is still in the hospital recovering from gunshot wounds, has been charged with aggravated assault with intent to murder.
