GWINNETT COUNTY, Ga. — Gwinnett police are using a new law to crack down on drive-by shootings, after video captured someone firing from a car in a neighborhood.
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The incident occurred early Thursday morning on Lester Drive near Lilburn.
Although no one was injured, the suspects, 19-year-old Michael Ramirez-Varila and 22-year-old Eleazar Salmeron, are now facing charges that mandate a minimum five-year prison sentence for drive-by shootings.
“It’s really scary to think about, this is my community, this is my neighborhood,” Michelle Serrato, a neighbor who has lived in the area since 2015, told Channel 2 Gwinnett County Bureau Chief Matt Johnson.
The new law was specifically written to address cases where individuals fire guns from vehicles toward homes. This legislation was passed last year to impose stricter penalties on such dangerous acts.
In addition to charges under the new law, Ramirez-Varila and Salmeron are also facing charges of reckless conduct and aggravated assault.
They are currently being held without bond as they await their court date.
The use of the new law in this case is seen as a message to deter future incidents and enhance public safety.
Residents like Serrato have expressed relief that the incident did not result in any injuries.
“The more people that get caught, the better, because we just need to be more safer in our communities,” Serrato said.
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