Gainesville Police seek armed robbery suspects

Police in Gainesville have released surveillance video from an armed robbery that happened last week: the video shows two men wearing masks, holding up a convenience store on Park Hill Drive in Gainesville. Cash was stolen; no injuries were reported.From Christian Jennings, Channel 2 Action News… Police are trying to find the armed and masked gunmen who rushed into a Texaco gas station and robbed the place. It happened on Park Hill Drive last Tuesday in Gainesville. 'They just took the money, got in and out really fast,' said Vincent Del Vecchio, the clerk who was on duty at the time and can be seen on the surveillance video.  The store is just a couple of blocks away from a CVS where a man was killed in a robbery earlier this month. Two customers were inside the gas station with the clerk, who followed the gunmen's commands. “He said, ‘Uh everybody freeze. Give me all the money right now. Open that register,’” Del Vecchio said. Del Vecchio said he managed to stay calm when two men wearing masks pointed guns at his face.  'I’m just focused, like, no sudden moves, don’t frighten them,' Del Vecchio said. The store owners said there are three suspects seen in the video. Shortly after the two men approached the counter, another man ran past them.  'And one came and he took the beer: Corona Light, 12-pack,' co-owner Shama Jindani said. 'We are scared. We are scared and like not feeling as we were feeling before,' co-owner Shabnam Jindani said. The Jindanis opened the store seven years ago. It's the first time they've ever been robbed. “Suddenly, maybe six months, it’s become rough. I don’t know why,” Shama Jindani said. Gainesville police Chief Jay Parrish said his department is taking action in response to the increased crime on Park Hill Drive -- dedicating a patrol officer, undercover officers and K-9 teams to the area. 'They are doing very good very good, right now,' Shama Jindani said. 'In the morning time, our clerk told us they’re coming in like number of times in morning and afternoon with K-9 and going and searching,' Shabnam Jindani said. In light of the recent crimes, the owners said they plan to upgrade their camera system.

Police update case of car theft with baby inside

Athens-Clarke County Police have released surveillance photographs of a person of interest in the February 10 theft of a car with a baby inside: the car—with the 11-month-old in the backseat—was left in the parking lot of the Home Depot store on Epps Bridge Road in Athens. The baby was safe. The search for the car thief continues, with a $1,000 reward from the local Crime Stoppers group for information that leads to an arrest and conviction in the case. From the Athens-Clarke County Police Department… ACCPD investigators would like to speak to this individual who was in the area of the shopping center at 1740 Epps Bridge Rd. (Home Depot) when the stolen vehicle with the child inside was located. Detectives believe this individual may have information about the ongoing investigation. ACCPD asks this individual, or anyone who may know this person, to call Det. Carroll at 706-613-3888 ext. 292 or Michael.Carroll@accgov.com. A Crime Stoppers Reward of up to $1,000 for information leading to an arrest in this incident is being offered. Please call the Crime Stoppers Tip Line at 706-705-4775. 

UGA’s Taylor: win a game, have a baby

Joni Taylor coached the Lady Dogs to an 22-point win over Ole Miss last night. She gave birth this morning. Drew is 6 lbs 8 ounces and 20 inches long and Taylor tot No. 2. From UGA Sports Communications... Georgia Lady Bulldog basketball head coach Joni Taylor and her husband Darius welcomed their second child — Drew Simone Taylor — at 7:29 a.m. Tuesday in Athens.    Drew is 20 inches long and weighs 6 pounds, 8 ounces and both she and Joni are resting well. She is the Taylor’s second daughter. Jacie Elise Taylor was born on Nov. 3, 2016.    “Darius and I feel so blessed to be the parents of such a sweet little girl, and I know Jacie is thrilled to be a big sister,” Taylor said. “I can’t express how much joy Drew has already brought to our family. We want to thank everyone in the Georgia community for your prayers and encouragement during this happy season of our lives. I am thrilled that Drew will be surrounded by so many special people, and that she will be a part of the Bulldog family.”    Coach Taylor led Georgia to a 78-56 win against Ole Miss Monday evening, less than 12 hours before giving birth. Plans for her return to the Georgia bench will be announced at a later date.     Associate head coach Karen Lange will assume head coaching duties during Taylor’s absence.