Man wanted in brutal Clayton County tattoo shop assault caught in Minnesota

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Javon Diamonte McDonald, also known as "Von," was captured in Minnesota in connection with a violent June 2025 assault at a Clayton County tattoo shop. (Credit: Clayton County Sheriff's Office)

CLAYTON COUNTY, Ga. - A man wanted in connection with a violent gang-related assault and robbery at a Clayton County tattoo parlor has been captured in Minnesota after more than a year on the run, authorities said. 

What we know:

Clayton County police said on June 5, 2025, a man was brutally beaten, pistol-whipped, restrained with zip ties, threatened, and forced into a bathroom where his head was shoved into a toilet.

The victim suffered severe facial and bodily trauma, including multiple fractures that required emergency care and surgery.

Authorities believe multiple people were involved in the assault. 

Detectives identified Javon Diamonte McDonald, also known as "Von," through surveillance video, physical evidence gathered at the scene, phone records, and digital evidence recovered from an iCloud account.

The U.S. Marshals Service and the Clayton County Sheriff's Office fugitive unit tracked McDonald down in Minnesota, where he was later taken into custody.

He faces multiple felony charges, including armed robbery, kidnapping, aggravated battery, hijacking a motor vehicle and gang activity.

What we don't know:

Authorities have not said when McDonald will be extradited to Georgia.

Officials have not named the other individuals alleged to have participated in the assault alongside McDonald.

Police have not disclosed the specific motive behind the violent attack at the business.