Gwinnett County, Georgia saw a disturbing incident unfold as Duluth police arrested a 37-year-old man, Warren Crayton, for randomly attacking and injuring two individuals in the same area on the same day last week. The attacks occurred at a shopping center, leaving the victims traumatized.
The first victim, a 16-year-old, reported being punched in the face by a stranger as he was leaving a Kroger store on Peachtree Industrial Boulevard and Pleasant Hill Road. The attack took place around 4 p.m., resulting in the teenager being left bloodied in front of the store.
Approximately an hour later, the same suspect was involved in a brutal assault on a man working at a car wash located at a nearby Shell gas station. The victim sustained severe injuries, including a broken back, as a result of the violent attack. The victim’s family shared that he is currently hospitalized, facing a long road to recovery and potentially months before he can walk again.
Surveillance footage of the incident, obtained by authorities, depicted Crayton in a blue shirt repeatedly kicking the victim before fleeing the scene. The motive behind the attacks remains unclear, with both victims expressing shock and disbelief at the sudden violent outbursts.
Witnesses and victims suggested that the suspect may have been undergoing a mental health episode or under the influence of drugs during the attacks. The 16-year-old victim described the ordeal as a surreal and terrifying experience, indicating that he believed the perpetrator was possibly under the influence of substances.
Crayton is now facing charges of Aggravated Assault, with more charges expected to be leveled against him as the investigation progresses. The community has been left shaken by the random and senseless nature of the attacks, highlighting the need for increased awareness and vigilance in ensuring public safety in Gwinnett County.
As the authorities work to piece together the events leading up to the assaults, residents are urged to remain cautious and vigilant of their surroundings to prevent similar incidents from occurring in the future. The impact of such senseless violence reverberates throughout the community, emphasizing the importance of swift and decisive action to combat such behavior and ensure the safety and well-being of all individuals.