The FBI is seeking the public’s help finding three people who targeted Asian business owners in nine commercial robberies in metro Atlanta.
According to the FBI, the trio hit restaurants, spas and massage parlors in Atlanta, Doraville, Duluth, Norcross and Stone Mountain between Oct. 7 and Nov. 8.
In six of the robberies, two men pretended to be customers, FBI spokesman Stephen Emmett said Monday. The third person acted as a getaway driver.
Just before 11:20 p.m. Oct. 13, they entered the Qi Clay Sauna in the 7100 block of Buford Highway as customers and later took out handguns and demanded money.
“One of the robbers struck an employee twice in the head with his handgun,” and got away with money from the cash register and a purse, Emmett said.
At one point, an employee followed one of the men.
“The robber responded by hitting the employee, then firing his gun several times,” Emmett said.
The men have shot several people during their crime spree, according to the FBI.
In many of the incidents, they used a red or maroon 2004-2008 Pontiac Grand Prix with a temporary tag on it and wore the same clothes.
One of the men wore a sweatshirt or jacket with the words “Dope Sport” printed on the back, authorities said.
Another has a tattoo under his right eye and wears a gold watch on his left wrist, Emmett said.
All three of them appear to be in their late teens to mid-20s and are about 5-foot-10 with slim builds, authorities said.
Anyone with information on the men is asked to call Crime Stoppers Atlanta. Tipsters can remain anonymous, and be eligible for a reward up to $2,000, by also contacting 404-577-8477, texting information to 274637 or visiting crimestoppersatlanta.org.
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