APD updates on robbery by force and deadly shooting incidents over the weekend

ALBANY, Ga. – Albany Police Department (APD) are investigating two violent incidents that occurred over the weekend, including a robbery by force and a deadly shooting.

Gabe Hutton has the latest details.

During a Monday press conference, Albany Police Chief Michael Persley provided details on the violent incidents that occurred over the weekend and urged the community to help law enforcement bring those responsible to justice.

The first incident involved a deaf Uber driver who was attacked during a dispute with a passenger. According to police, the suspect, identified as 33-year-old Tyrone Sheppard, choked the driver using a seatbelt before stealing the vehicle and fleeing the scene.

Chief Persley explained how officers tracked down the stolen car using the city’s Flock camera system, which helps identify vehicles in real time.

“The Uber driver was able to get out of the vehicle, and the suspect took the vehicle and fled the scene. Through our Flock system, we were able to identify two locations. We put out a notification to surrounding agencies to be on the lookout for the vehicle. And, sometime later, the Miller County Sheriff’s Office was able to, encountered his vehicle and the suspect and and, take the suspect into custody and recover the vehicle,” said Chief Michael Persley, Chief of Police, Albany Police Dept. (APD).

Sheppard is currently being held at the Dougherty County Jail, facing multiple charges, including motor vehicle hijacking, with additional charges pending.

In a separate incident, officers responded to a shooting late Sunday night in the 400 block of Lipsey Drive. Police arrived at 11:09 p.m. and found a 56-year-old Hispanic male dead at the scene.

The victim was identified as Jesus Arrango. However, Chief Persley urged the public to come forward with any information that could help investigators.

“Very rarely does someone do something and nobody else knows about it. So, someone knows. We need you to come forward and share it with us. You know, you don’t. It’s okay to be upset with somebody, but you don’t necessarily have to take it to, you know, some drastic levels. And, you have a disagreement. There are other ways to resolve it. We, you know, we don’t know. Could this have been personal? Could this have been random? We don’t know yet, but somebody out there saw something even if if it may be insignificant to you, it can be critical to us. So, please contact us. And, seriously, you know, passing information on to us,” said Chief Persley.

Investigators are asking anyone with information on either case to contact the Albany Police Department (APD) (229) 431-2100 or Crime Stoppers at (229) 436-TIPS. Tips can be provided anonymously.

Gabe Hutton reporting.

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