DeKalb police make arrest in violent carjacking of 74-year-old woman

DEKALB COUNTY, Ga. — Police have arrested a 17-year-old boy in connection with a violent DeKalb County carjacking that sent a 74-year-old woman to a hospital last week.

Aaron Johnson is facing charges of robbery by force and elder abuse in the incident last Thursday at a Chevron gas station on the corner of Gresham and Cook roads. The victim, Rosa Smith, was punched repeatedly in the face before her attacker took off in her red Nissan Rogue, according to DeKalb police.

Smith’s terrier mix Daphne was still inside the vehicle. The dog was found wandering in the road later Thursday night in southwest Atlanta and has been reunited with her family.

Smith, a retired attorney, was hospitalized following the attack. She didn’t suffer any broken bones, but she was left battered and bruised with gashes on her forehead, mouth and cheeks, according to police. She also complained of extreme pain in her hips.

In surveillance video of the incident, Smith was left on the ground in the parking lot. Investigators later released photos of the carjacking suspect as well as two accomplices, identified as Joshua Bryant and Tiffany Swanson, they said got into the Nissan before it left the gas station. The vehicle has not been recovered.

Johnson turned himself in Wednesday after police coordinated with his parents. He was arrested without incident and is being held in the DeKalb County Jail without bond.

Johnson is not the primary carjacking suspect, who was shown with a beard in the photos released by police, department spokeswoman Michaela Vincent said.

Anyone with information about the two remaining suspects is asked to call DeKalb detectives at 404-786-7990. Tipsters can remain anonymous, and be eligible for rewards of up to $2,000, by contacting Crime Stoppers Atlanta at 404-577-8477, texting information to 274637 or visiting the Crime Stoppers website.

This article was written by Chelsea Prince, The Atlanta Journal-Constitution.

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