GWINNETT COUNTY, Ga. — No one disputes Jean Carlo Bermudez is a war hero. He recieved a Purple Heart, but police say he is also a known gang member.
Although he insists he's being targeted, Norcross police say his arrest prevented a crime.
Video captured Norcross police arresting him last month. He and a friend were walking down the street when an officer says Bermudez flashed gangs signs at him.
Police say they found an arsenal in Bermudez’s backpack.
Bermudez received a Purple Heart after he was shot in the head while in Afghanistan. He worked as a Georgia prison guard after his tour.
“I was a gang member when I was in high school but not anymore,” Bermudez said in a jailhouse interview. “My guns are because since I came from Afghanistan, I feel I need protection. I don’t' trust the other people.”
“I remember the first months he was here, having nightmares, waking up and screaming and I don’t' think he should be here, he's a war hero,” wife Jeru Bermudez said.
While his wife and others try to win his freedom, police say Jean Carlo Bermudez admitted to his gang ties to these officers and then claimed he was going to settle a score with a rival gang.
“We are just extremely happy we were able to locate this person and stop them before they got to their destination and caused anyone harm,” Capt. Bill Grogan said.
Bermudez will be in court on Friday, where his lawyer will question police about the investigation.