EASTSIDE — Vantrec Ballard, a 30-year-old convicted gang member, was arrested on the evening of June 5 after being caught shoplifting at the Cork & Bottle liquor store on Lexington Road.
A nearby police officer, stationed at a QuikTrip, responded to a disturbance and found a man on the ground in the parking lot, holding onto Ballard, who stood over him. According to reports, the man had seen Ballard steal items from the store and tried to stop him.
Ballard had taken a bottle of Jose Cuervo tequila, Swisher Sweets cigars, and Newport cigarettes without paying. The witness attempted to detain him by grabbing his wrists but fell during the struggle.
The officer intervened and arrested Ballard. During the search, Ballard was found with methamphetamine and fentanyl in his possession. He also attempted to destroy the drugs while resisting arrest.
Ballard now faces multiple charges, including theft by shoplifting, possession of methamphetamine, possession of fentanyl, tampering with evidence, obstruction of law enforcement, and a felony probation violation.
Court records indicate Ballard was previously convicted under the Georgia Street Gang Terrorism and Prevention Act in 2016 as a member of the Bloods. He is currently being held without bail in pretrial detention.
