A pair of tourists robbed in southwest Atlanta over Labor Day weekend livestreamed the attack on social media, and police are hoping that video helps them catch the man responsible.
Steven Heimann and John DiPietro were in town Aug. 31 for DragonCon, the annual science fiction, gaming and comics convention held during Labor Day weekend in Atlanta. They were robbed in the 1300 block of Lee Street while walking to a MARTA station, according to Atlanta police.
DiPietro was taking photos with his Canon camera, which was around his neck.
“The suspect approached the victim from behind, attempting to snatch the camera from around his neck and a struggle ensued,” police spokesman Officer Jarius Daugherty said Wednesday in a statement. “According to the victim, the suspect began to punch him demanding that he let go of the camera then fled the area.”
Heimann was broadcasting on Twitch.tv, a mobile app used primarily for streaming video games.
In the video streamed to the app and released by police, Heimann can be heard telling DiPietro to “just let it go.” Another male voice is heard off camera repeating Heimann’s entreats.
WATCH: Robbery in southwest Atlanta broadcast to livestreaming app
The video briefly shows a man wearing a black T-shirt and white pants walk up behind DiPietro before the struggle.
“At this time we are asking anyone who may recognize this suspect or has any information on this incident to contact Crime Stoppers,” Daugherty said.
Tipsters can remain anonymous, and be eligible for rewards of up to $2,000, by contacting Crime Stoppers Atlanta at 404-577-8477, texting information to 274637 or visiting the Crime Stoppers website.
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