Forsyth bandit takes woman's wedding rings

By David Ibata

The Atlanta Journal-Constitution

When a woman who had just dropped her child off at a Forsyth County gymnastics center told an armed robber she didn’t have her purse with her, the bandit demanded and took her wedding rings instead, authorities said.

The 40-year-old victim told Forsyth County sheriff’s investigators that she was outside the Northwinds Gymnastic Center, 7545 Industrial Court, about 2:20 p.m. Wednesday when a man approached her, pointed a gun at her waist and robbed her.

The man then fled on foot toward Ga. 9 and McFarland Road. The woman was not injured.

The man took a gold engagement ring with a 2-karat diamond and a matching wedding band, according Karleen Chalker, spokeswoman for the sheriff’s office. The monetary value of the rings was not given.

Sheriff’s deputies canvassed the area using K-9 dogs but could not find the man. The suspect was described as a black man, about 5 feet 8 inches tall and with a slight build. He was last seen wearing a black shirt and an unzipped gray or silver hoodie.

Anyone with information about the suspect or who may have been in the area at the time was asked to call the Forsyth County Sheriff’s Criminal Investigations Division, 770-781-2200, during regular business hours or 770-781-3087 after hours. To give anonymous information, call the Crimestoppers Tip Line, 770-888-7308.