Drug Deal Gone Bad in Decatur

A drug transaction gone wrong this week in Decatur has resulted in some serious trouble for a trio of teenagers.

According to Decatur Police Sgt. Jennifer Ross, shortly before 1 p.m. on Sunday, Sept. 8, Decatur Police officers responded to the 400 block of Electric Avenue in reference to a robbery. Two juvenile victims reported to the officers that they were walking on the sidewalk when a vehicle passed them, circled back and approached them from behind. 

One male suspect allegedly exited the vehicle and asked to borrow the phone of one of the juveniles, who pocketed the phone and refused. The suspect then approached the other juvenile, demanded his money, and reached into the juvenile’s pocket, taking his wallet and approximately $200 in cash.  

According to police, the juveniles said they recognized the suspect as a former Renfroe Middle School student. The police narrative goes on to explain that the suspect got back into the vehicle, which was being driven by an unknown male who appeared to be in his 20s, and left the area. No weapons were displayed during the robbery and neither of the victims were injured. 

The suspect who took the money was identified as 17-year-old Yahya Hassan Abdi of Snellville. A warrant was issued for Abdi and he was taken into custody on Monday, Sept. 9. 

According to Sgt. Ross, further investigation revealed there in fact was no robbery. The two juveniles and the suspect had made prior arrangements to meet for the purpose of a marijuana transaction. Police say the juveniles paid the money, but did not receive the amount of marijuana they were supposed to receive. 

The two juveniles were referred to the DeKalb County Juvenile Court for conspiracy to commit a crime and false report of a crime. The robbery charge against Abdi was dismissed, but he is now also charged with conspiracy to commit a crime.