Home / Crime and Justice / Gwinnett Motel Chaos: Armed Man Faces Kidnapping Charges
Gwinnett Motel Chaos: Armed Man Faces Kidnapping Charges
21 Feb
Summary
- Man arrested for assaulting woman at motel with a gun.
- Investigation includes motel security and body camera footage.
- Suspect faces multiple charges including kidnapping and assault.
Gwinnett County authorities have released body camera footage detailing the arrest of Martez Smith, who is accused of a violent assault involving a firearm at a motel last year. On September 3, 2025, officers responded to reports of a man with a gun in the motel parking lot. Upon arrival, Officer L. Shorr found Smith asleep in a car.
Smith initially resisted commands but was taken into custody by arriving officers. A subsequent search of his vehicle revealed a firearm. Motel security footage reviewed by investigators showed Smith hitting and dragging a woman, then pointing a gun at her. The footage also indicated Smith was visibly intoxicated and driving erratically in the parking lot.
As a result of the investigation, Martez Smith is facing a multitude of charges. These include false imprisonment, DUI, disorderly conduct, possession of a firearm during a felony, willful obstruction of law enforcement, pointing a gun at another person, kidnapping, and simple battery under Georgia's family violence statute.
