Local

Victim: Carjackers used stolen cellphone for self-portraits

ATLANTA — A victim in a string of carjackings says the suspect's use of her stolen cellphone played a part in the investigation.

Tiffany Way told Channel 2's Amy Napier Viteri she still doesn't feel safe after two men pointed guns at her when they stole her car, purse and cellphone on 11th Street in midtown Atlanta in January.

Police arrested Ladarious Gibbs and Derek Turner in connection with that carjacking.
 
Way said Gibbs was using her cellphone to take pictures of himself, but he didn't realize those pictures were being saved to her account and she was able to see them and turn them over to police.

"I was like, 'Oh my God, these people are taking pictures of themselves in my phone,'" Way said.

The photos show Gibbs smiling and posing.

"They're straight smiling," Way said. "My life is ruined for a second and you're smiling."

Police said Gibbs and Turner crashed Way's car on the downtown connector and then carjacked another couple who stopped to help. The next day, Gwinnett police obtained surveillance video showing a pair carjack a man in a Walmart parking lot and then shoot another man in the leg who was walking by.

Gwinnett police said they expect to charge Gibbs and Turner in connection with those crimes as well.

"I do want them to pay for shooting a guy. I do want them to pay for tearing my life apart," Way told Viteri.

On Friday, Atlanta police announced the arrests of four other suspected carjackers, Brandon and Ronald Washington, Andre Clark and Rapheal Banks.

Lt.  Paul Guerrucci said the department is looking into whether the men are connected to more violent crimes, including possibly homicides. The carjacking investigation is ongoing and police expect more arrests.