Two men have been arrested in connection with a string of violent robberies targeting Asian businesses across metro Atlanta, according to the FBI.
Tabyron Smith was captured Tuesday at a residence in Fairburn and Davrion Ware was arrested Wednesday at a residence in Stone Mountain, FBI spokesman Stephen Emmett said. Both men are 22 years old and from Atlanta.
According to officials, Smith and Ware are part of a trio that robbed 10 restaurants, spas and massage parlors in Atlanta, Doraville, Duluth, Norcross, Roswell and Stone Mountain between Oct. 7 and Nov. 10.
Credit: Channel 2 Action News
Credit: Channel 2 Action News
In the most recent incident, the trio went to New You Massage in the 700 block of Holcomb Bridge Road in Roswell just before 9 p.m. and pretended to be customers, Emmett said.
One of the men requested a massage, according to the FBI. Then, they pulled out handguns, demanded money and pistol-whipped employees and customers, Emmett said.
Surveillance footage showed the men in the act.
Authorities have not discussed the whereabouts of the third man, believed to be the getaway driver.
Smith had an initial appearance in front of a U.S. magistrate judge in Atlanta Tuesday, and Ware is due in federal court Wednesday afternoon for a first appearance, Emmett said.
Both men face charges of aiding and abetting one another to commit robbery, interference with commerce by threats or violence, and possession of a firearm during a crime.
Anyone with information on the case 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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