A man and a woman were robbed while walking near a popular bar in downtown Decatur early Sunday morning, police said.
They noticed three men walking in front of them as they approached Twain’s on Church Street and crossed over East Trinity Place, they told Decatur police. One of the men stopped to tie his shoe and the group dropped back.
That’s when the victims were approached from behind, according to police.
“One of the males then asked a question about a washer and dryer and asked to use the male victim’s cellphone,” police said in a Facebook post, but the victim said he didn’t have one. “The males then pushed the two victims to the ground.”
The man fought back. He said one of the alleged robbers pulled a silver handgun from his waistband, but it was dropped in the struggle. He threw his body on top of the gun to stop the men from using it against him and the woman, the victim told police.
While he struggled with the weapon, one of the other men snatched the woman’s purse, police said. In all the commotion, the trio was able to get the gun back and took off running toward East Trinity Place.
Cameras captured them going past businesses and school property along North McDonough Street and across Commerce Drive through a residential complex.
The victims met with officers about 1:30 a.m. at the intersection of Church Street and East Howard Avenue. While the man had a few cuts and scrapes on his knees from the fall, the woman’s head was cut when it hit the pavement. She initially refused to be taken to the hospital but later went for evaluation at the suggestion of police.
Investigators are still trying to identify the robbery suspects. Anyone with information is asked to contact Decatur police Investigator Robert Lindsey at robert.lindsey@decaturga.com or 678-553-6628.
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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