AJC reports that the FBI have arrested two men who violently terrorizing Asian American business owners in Atlanta.
23-year-old Dravion Sanchez Ware was convicted for his part in nine robberies in October and November 2017. Ware shot three women, one at point-blank range, and pistol-whipped other victims.
“Ware terrified his innocent victims, demonstrating a callous disregard for the lives of these small business owners and their customers,” said U.S. Attorney Byung J. “BJay” Pak.
“The courage of his victims, and the coordination of federal and local law enforcement officers who were determined to bring him to justice, will ensure he faces a very lengthy prison sentence.”
On 13 October 2017, Ware and Tabyron Rashad Smith pretended to be customers at Cedar Message on Bakers Ferry Road. One of the men then pulled a gun on an employee and demanded cash whilst the other stole purses and cellphones.
Both men are thought to be behind a similar robbery that occurred three days later at QI Clay Sauna. One robber hit an employee twice in the head with a handgun.
One week later, two customers were shot in their legs at Kori Maru restaurant as their purses were stolen. Two massage parlours were also targeted.
Only targeted Asian American owned businesses were targeted in the duo’s crime spree.
“The victims of these violent armed robberies will be emotionally scarred forever, but thanks to a federal jury, hopefully they can rest easier knowing that Ware will not traumatize any more victims, like they were, for a long, long time,” said Chris Hacker, special agent in charge of FBI Atlanta.
Ware was arrested on 22 November 2017 after his tattoos led investigators to identify him. He was convicted on 2 August of conspiring to commit and commission of, multiple Hobbs Act robbery offenses, and discharging or brandishing a firearm during the robberies.
Smith pleaded guilty to the crimes in July.
