Robbery Suspect Takes Man on Wild Ride

On Tuesday, November 1, Gwinnett County Police responded to a call for a carjacking on Sunset Ridge Lane in unincorporated Lawrenceville at about 4:30pm

The 46-year-old Robin Watkins told police he was in the back of the home painting when he heard someone starting up his truck in the driveway. Watkins then ran to the front of the house where he saw 39-year-old Albert Lee Hughes Jr. sitting in the driver's seat. The black 1985 Chevy pick-up truck stalled and that's when the victim jumped in the bed of the truck before Hughes could get it started again. 

According to witnesses, Hughes drove erratically-- swerving and hitting curbs--  possibly in an attempt to toss Watkins from the truck. When the truck finally stopped, Watkins jumped out and Hughes ran away.

A little more than an hour later, 55-year-old Russell Gray returned to his home nearby on Savannah Rose Way. He was told police were searching for a suspect in the area. Gray grabbed his gun and searched the area himself. He found Hughes hiding in the basement. Gray ordered Hughes back outside at gunpoint and he was arrested.

Officers determined Hughes lived at a home across the street from where he allegedly stole the truck. Hughes is now in custody at the Gwinnett County Detention Center. He has been charged with one count of Robbery and one count of Aggravated Assault. GCPD says Hughes will also be charged with one count of Criminal Trespass for entering Gray’s home.