ATLANTA — Authorities have arrested a suspect in the slaying of a local businessman, and they believe he might be linked to other crimes in metro Atlanta.
Ladarius Hardy was arrested Tuesday in the death of Terry Porter, who was robbed, shot and carjacked three weeks ago. Hardy was captured in Conyers by the U.S. Marshall's task force. Investigators have said they also believe Hardy carjacked and robbed a woman of her ATM card in Chamblee last month.
"It started with an armed robbery in our jurisdiction, then it escalated to a homicide in Atlanta and I think the guy is just going to keep going until he's stopped or arrested," Chamblee Police Department Sgt. Ernesto Ford said.
Porter was found shot to death outside his driveway on South Gordon Street Nov. 12. His cellphone and 2006 Range Rover were stolen. Police later found his vehicle in a midtown apartment complex.
Porter's brother, Levi Bias, held three candlelight vigils for the victim over the weekend.
A few weeks ago, Atlanta police released surveillance video from a Texaco off Peachtree Street right after Porter was shot and killed. Channel 2's Ryan Young on Monday learned that Hardy was the person identified in the video.
Porter owned five assisted-living facilities, and those who knew him from his businesses, along with friends and family, gathered and shared a laugh over the weekend.
"(We're) smiling and remembering him for what he did for us and how he touched our hearts," one participant said.
Anyone with information is asked to call Crime Stoppers at 404-477-8477.