The Gwinnett County restaurant robbery string, orchestrated by Dametrius Marquel Sims, has come to a conclusive end with the sentencing of its mastermind. Sims, 30, was handed four life sentences, to be served consecutively, on top of an additional 90 years for his criminal exploits. His ruthless campaign of armed robbery terrorized Gwinnett County businesses between August and October 2017, stated the district attorney's office.
According to Atlanta News First, the string of robberies began with a calculated heist at a Steak 'n Shake in Duluth, where Sims collaborated with an insider, co-defendant Trevonne Poole, to rob the manager. The DA, Patsy Austin-Gatson, expressing relief over the sentencing, said, "Someone could have been killed in his violent crime spree." The prosecution underscored the terror the crew inflicted, ranging from the threats to outright shooting an unaware pizza store manager.
Details from a Fox 5 Atlanta report indicated that Sims' brazenness escalated over the weeks, with numerous restaurants and delivery drivers being targeted. Notably, Sims attacked the Golden Corral on Stone Mountain Highway, shooting at the manager in a failed escape attempt. His reign of terror came to an abrupt halt following the robbery of a package store employee, which led to his arrest by the Gwinnett County Police.
"For weeks, Gwinnett County merchants were intimidated. No one should live in fear of going to work," Austin-Gatson professed in a statement obtained by Fox 5 Atlanta, emphasizing the impact of Sims' capture. The district attorney commended the diligent efforts of her team for bringing a resolution to the case and restoring a measure of security to the local community.
