A man seeking a few bucks outside a metro Atlanta Waffle House pulled a knife on another man when he refused to hand over the cash, authorities said.

Police arrested James Earl Miller, 38, of Atlanta, early Monday morning after he stabbed a 62-year-old man in the chin outside the Clayton County restaurant, according to the sheriff’s office.

“When the man told Miller no, Miller pulled a knife, cut the victim and forced the victim to give him $20,” a spokesman for the Clayton County sheriff’s office said in a statement.

Clayton County police responded to the parking lot and reportedly found Miller hiding behind a fence. They also found a “white shirt near him covered in blood,” the spokesman said.

Miller is being held in the Clayton County jail on charges of armed robbery and aggravated assault.

The victim was taken to a local hospital and is expected to survive, Clayton County police Officer Marcena Davis said.

The sheriff’s office warns citizens to be wary of those asking for money.

“Anytime you observe anyone panhandling on the side of the road or in a parking lot, please dial 911 so that law enforcement can check these individuals out,” the spokesman said.

In other news:

Police said the 21-year-old man was taken to Grady Memorial Hospital in critical condition.

About the Author

Keep Reading

If the Senate's version of the One Big Beautiful Bill Act passes, the 30% federal tax credits offered for clean energy installations — such as these solar panels being installed atop an Ellenwood home in 2022 — would be sunset by the end of 2025. (Jason Getz/AJC 2022)

Credit: Jason Getz / Jason.Getz@ajc.com

Featured

Senate Majority Leader John Thune, R-S.D. (center) is flanked by GOP whip Sen. John Barrasso, R-Wyo. (left) and Finance Committee Chairman Mike Crapo, R-Idaho, as Thune speak to reporters at the Capitol in Washington on Tuesday, July 1, 2025. Earlier Tuesday, the Senate passed the budget reconciliation package of President Donald Trump's signature bill of big tax breaks and spending cuts. (J. Scott Applewhite/AP)

Credit: AP