Gwinnett deputies search for hundreds in warrant sweep

GWINNETT COUNTY, Ga. — Gwinnett County sheriff's deputies set out to serve hundreds of misdemeanor warrants throughout the county Tuesday night.

Channel 2's Amy Napier Viteri was with deputies as they took several people into custody, including a man who failed to appear in court on drug charges.

"We have 18 teams, two-man teams out trying to serve those warrants throughout the entire county," Lt. Sean Smith told Viteri.

Deputies worked to serve 381 warrants for people charged with misdemeanors.

Smith said those charges go unresolved when people fail to pay fines or show up in court.

"And in some cases, people just may have forgotten. But in this case, we're going to be knocking on doors and we're going to serve these warrants." Smith said.

In many cases, the address was incorrect or the person deputies were looking for moved.

Regardless of what's on the warrant, Smith said any time deputies knock on someone's door, safety is a priority.

"It's always very dangerous.  You never know what you might encounter on the other side. They might think you're there to bust a meth house and we might just be there to serve a failure to appear warrant," he said.

Smith said the sheriff wants all offenders to know they're responsible for their crime.

"We may not see you tonight, but you need to get that taken care of, because we may see you one night real soon," Smith said.

Deputies transported everyone arrested to the Gwinnett County Jail, where they now have to post bond as well as face their initial charges and fines.

WSBTV