Known gang member arrested after helping police track him down without realizing it

COBB COUNTY, Ga. — Police confirmed to Channel 2 Action News that a known gang member was arrested at a popular entertainment venue for families.

17-year-old Adonte Thomas was arrested after detectives said he was carrying a stolen gun inside Main Event Atlanta in Cobb County.

Investigators believe the teen has been involved in several burglaries across the metro.

He was wanted on an auto theft charge for an incident that happened on Nov. 22 in the 2500 block of Donald Lee Hollowell Parkway.

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Fast forward to 2020: Multiple sources told Channel 2′s Michael Seiden that an off-duty Atlanta police detective happened to be on social media when he came across a video of Thomas, who was hanging out with his friends at Main Event.

The investigator drove to Cobb Parkway and Cobb police moved in before anyone could get hurt.

“Oh wow! I would never expect anyone to walk in there with a gun,” patron Zach Harris said.

Thomas is expected to remain behind bars until trial.

Main Event Atlanta sent Channel 2 Action News the following statement:

“The safety and security of our guests and associates is always our top priority. This incident that occurred over the weekend at our Main Event location in Atlanta was handled immediately by local law enforcement and we will continue to cooperate with them as needed.”

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