Akon Briefly Taken Into Custody in Chamblee After Outstanding License Suspension Warrant Identified
CHAMBLEE, Ga. — A routine visit to a repair shop in Chamblee led to international artist Akon briefly being taken into custody after a security system flagged his vehicle in connection with an outstanding administrative warrant. Authorities confirmed Friday that the matter was tied to a missed court appearance from 2023 involving a previously suspended driver’s license.
According to the Chamblee Police Department, officers were notified when a Flock security camera system detected the tag of Akon’s white Tesla Cybertruck as it entered a repair facility. The alert indicated the presence of an active bench warrant issued in Roswell, Georgia. Officers arrived shortly afterward, verified the information, and took Akon into custody without incident. Officials noted that the 51-year-old artist cooperated fully. He was processed at the DeKalb County Jail and released later the same day after approximately six hours.
The warrant dates back to September 2022, when the Cybertruck broke down on Holcomb Bridge Road in Roswell. At the time, responding officers determined the vehicle was uninsured and that Akon’s driver’s license was suspended. Citations were issued, and he was instructed to appear in court on January 2, 2023. When the court appearance did not occur, a bench warrant was automatically generated.
The situation remained inactive for nearly two years until last week, when the same vehicle entered the Chamblee repair shop and was detected by the automated system. Police confirmed the warrant details before taking steps to address the matter.
Law enforcement officials emphasized that the interaction was calm and procedural. “He was respectful and cooperative throughout the process,” an officer said, noting that no new charges were filed.
Supporters of Akon, whose legal name is Aliaune Thiam, reacted with understanding on social media, pointing out that administrative warrants linked to missed court dates are common and often resolved quickly once identified. Legal analysts echoed this, explaining that such warrants are procedural rather than punitive.
Those familiar with the situation say Akon views the incident as an oversight and plans to resolve the outstanding matter promptly.
For local residents, the event also highlighted the growing role of automated systems like Flock cameras in assisting law enforcement with routine administrative processes. For Akon, the experience was a minor inconvenience in an otherwise distinguished career marked by global achievements and philanthropic work.
