Violent Robbers Targeting Asian-Owned Businesses: FBI

ATLANTA, GA — The FBI is asking the public for tips in tracking down three men who have committed a series of violent robberies over the last few weeks at Asian-owned businesses in the Atlanta area. Between Oct. 7 and Nov. 8, the three men robbed massage parlors, spas and a restaurant in Atlanta, Doraville, Norcross, Duluth and Stone Mountain, the FBI said in a statement.

The three suspects are described as black men, about 5 feet 8 inches to 6 feet in height with thin builds, in their late teens to mid-20s. In several robberies, the robbers wore the same clothing, the FBI said.

The robbers have used a vehicle described as a red or maroon 2004 to 2008 Pontiac Grand Prix with a temporary tag, the FBI said. One robber appears to have a tattoo under his right eye, and wears a gold watch on his left wrist.

In most of the robberies, two of the robbers entered the business and acted like customers, then pulled out handguns and demanded money. At several places, they held up customers as well as employees, the FBI said.

In an Oct. 24 heist at the Kochi Maru restaurant in Doraville, one robber shot two customers in the leg, and then an employee in the back as she knelt on the floor, the FBI said. It did not release further information about the incident, such as the names and conditions of the victims.

That robbery occurred at about 11:20 p.m. at the restaurant, at 5808 Buford Highway. The other eight robberies also occurred in the evening or late at night, at times ranging from 7 p.m. to 1:12 a.m., according to the FBI.

Anyone with information on the three robbers is asked to contact Crime Stoppers Greater Atlanta. Tipsters can remain anonymous and be eligible for a reward of up to $2,000. To reach Crime Stoppers:

• call 404-577-8477;
• text 274637;
• or visit crimestoppersatlanta.org.

Image: FBI