Gwinnett County police have identified the man they say robbed a Norcross hotel after doing work there earlier the same day.
Joshua Evontay Hall, 29, is wanted on charges of robbery by sudden snatching, spokeswoman Cpl. Michele Pihera said Friday. His whereabouts are unknown.
The manager of the Comfort Inn and Suites on Peachtree Industrial Boulevard told officers he hired the man, who claimed to be homeless, to work at the hotel July 16, Pihera said. The manager gave the man $20 and a pizza as payment.
The man told the manager he was originally from Ohio and had been arrested in Georgia for burglary, Pihera said.
That evening, the man returned to the hotel lobby, Pihera said. He used the desk clerk’s phone to call the manager and demanded more money.
The manager refused to pay, and the man hung up, Pihera said. After the clerk went to the back room, the man jumped onto the counter, opened the cash drawer and stole several hundred dollars, surveillance video showed. He passed several hotel guests as he left through the front door.
Anyone with information is asked to contact Gwinnett police at 770-513-5300. Tipsters can also 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 crimestoppersatlanta.org.
About the Author
