Woman robbed at gunpoint off Howell Mill
Late Sunday night incident just the latest in a series of armed robberies in West Midtown
Photos
Sandra Richardson almost always asks to be escorted to her car when she is ready to leave an establishment at night. But Sunday evening was different and a pair of thieves were waiting for her when she left West Midtown’s Northside Tavern alone shortly before midnight.
The 64-year-old Richardson had been photographing musicians in the blues club located at 1058 Howell Mill Road, and was in the process of putting her camera bag in the trunk of her car that was parked at 1077 Brady Avenue. That’s when a light-colored car pulled up and out popped a man from the rear passenger seat carrying a silver handgun.
“At first I thought, ‘that’s a short guy with a big gun.,’” she told Patch.
Demanding her bag, the suspect ripped the bag and camera, estimated to be worth $600, from her shoulder. The suspect, whom Richardson described as a 5-foot-6 black male in his early to mid 20s with a slight to medium build, hopped back in the car and the vehicle sped off down Howell Mill.
“They must have been waiting because their timing was perfect,’’ Richardson said. “I have never felt a concern there [outside Northside Tavern], but it was about a female being alone. That was the key and I’m glad I wasn’t left on the ground with gun shots.”
Sunday’s armed robbery was just another in a rash of West Midtown incidents involving suspects using guns to prey upon victims walking the streets alone. The previous weekend produced a series of such robberies along 10th Street near Georgia Tech and the Home Park neighborhood.
Lt. J. D. Cantin of the Atlanta Police Department told Patch that the suspects in crimes, “will take whatever they can," adding "we want to make sure you’re watching your surroundings; know what’s going on and pay attention.”
Mary Schoerner
6:22 pm on Monday, July 2, 2012
As a resident in the area, this really scares me. Is there any place to feel safe anymore when you leave your house? The story about the women getting shot on 75 makes me feel I can't feel safe even in my car. Anyone feel the same way?
Matt Fasick
9:00 pm on Monday, July 2, 2012
Atlanta needs a dramatically lowered crime rate much more than Untie Atlanta.
Chris H
10:39 pm on Monday, July 2, 2012
Seems like the only way Atlanta will be safe is if its turned into a police state. Every time I go on Patch, it's another robbery. I'm sure you guys get tired of writing about as much as I hate reading about it.
Clicker
9:19 am on Tuesday, July 3, 2012
"Lt. J. D. Cantin of the Atlanta Police Department told Patch that the suspects in crimes, “will take whatever they can," adding "we want to make sure you’re watching your surroundings; know what’s going on and pay attention.” "
Was this really the only response from APD?
Not, 'we will be adding patrol cars to this area' or ' we have our detectives on this case and promise to do everything in our power to decrease crime in this area?'
Hunt Archbold
9:29 am on Tuesday, July 3, 2012
Hello, this was not the only response from the APD. I was at a Zone 5 precinct yesterday gathering information/video about a possible suspect involved in the June 22 weekend Georgia Tech/Home Park crimes. That story will be posted Tuesday with further response from APD regarding the recent crimes in the area. Thanks.
Dustin
12:54 pm on Tuesday, July 3, 2012
I would recommend every resident in Midtown purchase a hand gun, get a permit to carry, and extensive training on how to use it, first (get very comfortable with using it before you carry it). Protect yourself and your property. At the very least carry pepper spray or mace.
The police can only do so much! The only thing you can expect from the police is to file a report and try to find the person(s) responsible. Unless you get lucky and a cop is walking by as you are being robbed (I haven't read about that happening too many times).