CONYERS, Ga. — A string of three armed robberies in two counties has left investigators and residents on edge - afraid that the suspect may strike again.
The crimes by an alleged serial robber - using a Glock-type pistol with a laser to attack people at their apartment complexes before dawn - happened in Rockdale and Newton counties.
The first armed robbery was on Aug. 11th at the Main Street at Conyers Apartments, investigators say.
In that case, police said a gunman entered the gated community at barely five in the morning, and walked up to a woman getting out of her car - a grandmother arriving to babysit her grandchild for the day. She told police he held a pistol with a red laser to her head, then demanded money before running off.
“It’s frightening," Nyesha Bacot told 11Alive.
Nyesha Bacot and others who live and visit in the area are now on alert, because investigators believe the same armed robber struck twice more - on Aug. 26 at the Salem Terrace Apartments near Covington, and last week on Sept. 2, at the Woodland Trace Apartments near Conyers.
Bacot said residents are terrified.
“The people who live in this area, it’s their reality," she said.
Investigators said the alleged robber is approaching people in the apartment parking lots at random, at around 5 in the morning each time. Investigators said he has been wearing a ski mask, and they don’t have a clear photo of him, yet.
Photos: Alleged serial robber armed with laser-equipped pistol
During the attack last week, for example, the man pointed his gun and red laser at his victims, according to the Rockdale County Sheriff’s Office report, then shot twice in the air and shouted, “You think this is a game? I’m a real killer out here, I’ll do this.”
Then he ran away.
Sharon Jenkins said it makes her think the suspect is desperate.
“My concern is, not only will he strike again, he’s gonna hurt someone," she told 11Alive.
Police said that’s exactly what they’re working to prevent.
Meanwhile, Jenkins, other residents and police are hoping the Crime Stoppers reward of up to $2,000 will encourage tipsters to come forward to help catch the man before it happens again.
Crime Stoppers Atlanta 404-577-TIPS, 404-577-8477
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