A man robbed four students at gunpoint while they were walking to a middle school in Atlanta’s Virginia-Highland neighborhood, according to police.
Authorities said the “brazen act” happened on a busy street during daylight hours.
The students were returning to Inman Middle School after going to Starbucks about 5 p.m. Friday, Atlanta police spokeswoman Officer TaSheena Brown said.
While they were walking on Virginia Avenue, a man brandishing a black handgun told them to put their cellphones on the ground and run.
The students were not harmed, Brown said. Their ages were not released.
Police said the man ran away after the robbery. He is described as about 5 feet, 10 inches tall and was last seen in all black clothing with a black skull cap.
“Our investigators are working this case diligently to identify the suspect involved and get him into custody and off the streets,” Brown said.
Two of the students are twins, according to Channel 2 Action News. Their mother told the news station they were so shaken by the robbery that they did not go to school Monday.
In a statement, Atlanta Public Schools said it increased patrols near the campus for afterschool activities.
“The safety and security of APS students and staff remains a top priority for the district,” the statement said.
The district said it is helping Atlanta police in their ongoing investigation.
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