Norcross Area Fire Victims Burglarized

After a fire displaced some Retreat at Arc Way residents last Friday, four of their damaged apartments were ransacked and burglarized, according to Gwinnett County Police incident reports and the property manager.

The fire broke out on April 1 around 9:30 p.m. at the apartment complex off Arc Way in unincorporated Norcross. Fire crews arrived on the scene with five fire engines and two ladder trucks plus other emergency personnel, quickly evacuating the building and controlling the blaze with no injuries. 

Retreat at Arc Way Property Manager Michele Harris said she was at the complex until 4 a.m. on Saturday dealing with the fallout, and that she and Gwinnett County police officers were careful to secure all the units with deadbolts.

She was surprised when she returned on Sunday to the 10 units that had been evacuated to find some of the doors unsecured. Four burglary victims were identified in Gwinnett Police reports. Harris said that mostly TVs were taken from the units.

Officer J.W. Bradley wrote in his report that he found the doors forced open at some of the units around 4 p.m. on Sunday.

“We’re just glad no body was hurt,” said Harris. She said that she always stresses to residents how important renter’s insurance is—and that thankfully most of the victims did have insurance.

Red Cross has helped those who were displaced find temporary shelter and fulfill other needs and the Retreat at Arc Way is working to find new units for the victims. 

No suspects have been identified and this case is currently still open.