Atlanta Police arrested two individuals following a swift pursuit connected to a high-value shoplifting incident at a local sporting goods store. The collaboration between specialized police units, including the Aviation Unit (Phoenix) and the Auto Crimes Enforcement Unit (ACE), led to the apprehension of the suspects and the recovery of over $5,000 in stolen merchandise. One of the suspects had several active warrants in Chattooga County.
The incident occurred last month, when officers responded to the Nike store located at 675 Ponce De Leon Avenue NE. According to the store’s reporting party, an unidentified male entered the location and swiftly filled a large garbage bag with numerous items before fleeing the scene in a waiting vehicle.

The arrest was made possible by quick thinking from a witness, who was able to provide officers with a tag number for the suspect’s getaway vehicle.

Atlanta Police Department (APD) units immediately utilized this information. The ACE Unit tracked the vehicle, while the Aviation Unit provided crucial aerial surveillance. Officers were able to follow the vehicle for a short distance until the suspects pulled into a nearby convenience store. Both men were apprehended inside the store without further incident.

Suspects Identified, Facing Multiple Warrants

The shoplifter was identified as 22-year-old Javonte Avery, and his alleged getaway driver was identified as 23-year-old Michael Davis.

Upon processing, authorities discovered that both men were already wanted on multiple active warrants. Javonte Avery had one active warrant out of the Fulton County Sheriff’s Office, along with 18 additional warrants from the Atlanta Police Department, all related to prior shoplifting offenses.

Michael Davis, the driver, was found to have six active warrants pending for his arrest out of the Chattooga County Sheriff’s Office.

In total, the suspects were found to have stolen just over $5,000 worth of merchandise from the Nike store. Investigators with the Larceny Unit successfully recovered and returned all of the stolen items to the retailer.

Both Michael Davis and Javonte Avery were charged with Felony Shoplifting and transported to the Fulton County Jail for processing.