Full Notification

Last night around 10 pm, deputies went to Wesson Street in Riverdale due to a complaint of drug trafficking.  While approaching the suspected drug location sheriff's deputies noticed several individuals standing in the driveway across from the location near a vehicle.  As Deputies got closer they could smell an odor of Marijuana coming from the area of the individuals. Deputies attempted to make contact with these individuals and as they did two of them began walking up the driveway away from Deputies. Deputies followed the individuals up the driveway giving them commands to stop and come back to talk to them. 

While Deputies were questioning the suspects in the driveway a man stuck a pistol out of an upstairs window pointing in their direction while screaming at the Deputies.  The man immediately retreated back into the window and did not reappear while Deputies took cover and began giving verbal commands.  Units from Clayton County Police responded with additional Sheriff's units and a perimeter was set up to contain the armed suspect. The armed man identified as Cortez Lester refused to come out and yelled out that it was just a toy gun.

Lt. Coleman notified Sheriff Victor Hill of the situation and the Sheriff told him to continue negotiations while he activated the SWAT team and to let Lester know he might want to come out before they arrived.

Lt. Johnson who is the SWAT commander was on duty and upon his arrival made contact with Lester by phone.  Lt. Johnson convinced Lester that it would be in his best interest to come out.  Lester wisely agreed, and came out along with his mother and he was taken into custody without further incident.

When Deputies cleared the house, the gun which was a real firearm, was located in a dresser drawer in the room where Lester pointed it from the window.  

The other suspects  were charged with possession with intent to distribute after additional drugs was found in their vehicle.

Cortez and all involved are now facing the wall at Georgia's toughest para-military jail.

  The Clayton County Sheriff's Office

                              Motto

"We defend those who cannot defend themselves"

                          Core Values

                Strength~Honor~Discipline 

                            Mission

To proactively fight and reduce crime by prevention and control.