Armed Robber Hugs It Out Near Tech Square

ATLANTA, GA -- According to the Atlanta police, an apologetic armed robber victimized a female construction worker early Wednesday morning in yet another crime on or near the Georgia Tech campus.

The woman reported that she was walking along Williams and 8th streets on her way to the Georgia Tech basketball coliseum construction site when she was approached from behind by a male. After taking her cell phone and $60 in cash, the suspect gave her “three hugs” and “continued to apologize” before fleeing on foot.

The alleged incident comes just two days before Atlanta City Council President Ceasar C. Mitchell prepares to lead the inaugural meeting of the Campus Safety Task Force on Friday. Mitchell recently announced the formation of the 30-day task force to address the trend of crime on college campuses.

After the initial approach, the woman stated that the man said, “Back up! Back up! I got a gun, I’ll shoot you.” The suspect was reported to be wearing brown pants, a black apron, and a receiving baby blanket covering the lower portion of his face. A weapon was never visually present as the suspect replicated what looked to be a weapon under his apron.

After she gave up her wallet, the suspect reportedly snatched her cell phone and cigarettes from her shirt pocket. He then sat on the curb and removed the money while saying “he was sorry” and that it is “hard for him.” He returned the wallet and cigarettes before giving his goodbye hugs and then racing off north on Williams towards 10th St. There were no injuries reported.

The suspect is described as a 5-foot-9, black male, between the ages of 25 and 28. This incident is being investigated by the Atlanta Police Department. The public is asked to report any information regarding this and other criminal incidents to Crime Stoppers Atlanta at 404-577-TIPS (8477).

The task force is a follow-up action from a meeting held between Mitchell and campus representatives from metro Atlanta colleges and universities to discuss safety concerns, best practices for campus safety, and solutions to ensure the safety of all college students living on and near college campuses.

The task force will be charged with making a set of specific yet uniform safety recommendations to the mayor, the APD, campus presidents and public safety representatives that can be implemented at the beginning of the fall semester.

Members of the task force will focus on strategies to reduce the number of crimes on and around college campuses.

The Friday meeting will take place at 10 a.m. at the Dennard Center at Atlanta Technical College in Seminar Room 205. The Dennard Center is located at 1560 Metropolitan Parkway.

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