GWCC Police Nab Suspect in Moped Theft at Georgia Tech

Georgia World Congress Center police detained and arrested Willie Andre Richardson, 51, on May 6 for a number of offenses, and in so doing, helped the Georgia Tech Police Department (GTPD) solve a recent moped theft on campus.

Richardson was booked at the Fulton County Jail and charged with first degree burglary, possession of tools for commission of a crime, misdemeanor theft by taking, criminal damage to property, second degree possession of vehicle with altered VIN, and three counts of theft by taking.

The Georgia Tech Police Department (GTPD) had video footage of Richardson taking the white Honda moped scooter on April 13 from outside the Montgomery Knight Building. Although Richardson was arrested on the scooter on May 6, it took until May 16 for investigators to connect Richardson with the moped stolen from Georgia Tech. Thanks to GTPD’s diligence, the victim was able to recover the scooter.

“We’re not always able to recover a victim’s stolen property, but in this case, our officers and detectives stayed after it and were able to connect the dots,” said GTPD Chief Rob Connolly. “We’re grateful for the cooperation of the Georgia World Congress Center police, and their good work to help us close this case with an arrest.”

Richardson had most recently been arrested at Georgia Tech in November 2017 after stealing a bicycle on campus. He was in the Fulton County Jail until March. Richardson has been a frequent perpetrator of crimes on the Georgia Tech campus dating back to April 2006. Before his most recent arrest, Richardson was previously arrested on campus in 2006, 2013, 2015, and twice in 2017.

GTPD reminds the campus community to be sure to secure their vehicles, including bicycles and scooters, and report any information regarding criminal incidents by calling 404-894-2500 or by emailing crimetips@police.gatech.edu. GTPD also offers the following safety reminders:

• Walk in well-lit areas. To report inoperative exterior campus lighting, visit: http://www.facilities.gatech.edu/om/requests/lighting.php.
• Walk with a friend or in a group.
• Be aware of your surroundings.
• Immediately report suspicious activity to the Georgia Tech Police by calling 404-894-2500. Program GTPD's number into your cell phone.
• For on-campus transportation from 6 p.m. to 7 a.m., call the Stingerette at 404-385-RIDE.
• Safety escorts are available through the Georgia Tech Police Department by calling 404-894-2500 or 4-GTPD.
• Download the LiveSafe safety app for quick access to the Georgia Tech Police Department and other safety resources.