DUNWOODY, Ga. — A man is wanted in connection to allegedly raping and beating multiple women in different areas in metro Atlanta, police said on Thursday.
Dunwoody Police Department said 46-year-old Marco A. Johnson is wanted in connection to rape, aggravated assault and aggravated battery. Police said he is typically seen in Chamblee, Doraville and Dunwoody areas.
Investigators said he drives up to women waiting at the bus stop and tells them he's a priest and spiritual reader of Especially For Youth, a youth seminar with the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
Once he "builds a real good rapport with them," police said he offers them a ride.
"After he offers a ride, he says he needs to run back to where I’m staying and pick up some materials for a church service," Sgt. Michael Cheek with Dunwoody Police said. "He then asks them to come inside, and that’s where he commits his crimes.”
Kevin Cameron used to walk past bus stops in his Dunwoody neighborhood without thinking twice.
“It’s terrifying that could be happening here, and it’s almost embarrassing to say I didn’t even know this was happening," Cameron said.
The department said Johnson drives a black Toyota Camry with Georgia tag number CCQ3983. They said he's 5 feet, 7 inches tall and weighs 171 pounds.
"Don’t take rides from strangers," Cheek said. "If someone is offering you a ride, only take rides from people you absolutely know. Just ignore these people and don't talk to them, and if something makes you feel uncomfortable, call 911.”
Cheek also encourages women to be aware of their surroundings, don't bury their heads in cell phones, tell someone where they're going if they're alone, and bring attention to themselves if someone makes them uncomfortable.
Cameron plans to tell his wife about the attacks so she can be vigilant when she's outside.
“My wife walks here a lot too. Actually, she’s out walking the dog now. She normally takes the dog because it make her feel safer, but it’s just really troubling to hear this. I’m glad they’re looking for the person. I hope they catch the person," Cameron said.
Anyone with information about Johnson should call Detective Ehlbeck at 678-382-6925 or Robert.Ehlbeck@dunwoodyGA.gov. To submit an anonymous tip, head to their online form.