Deputies are looking for an armed suspect who robbed a 57-year-old woman and her son at gunpoint in the driveway of their home July 5, according to a Newton County Sheriff's Office report.
The victim had just arrived at her home around 10:20 p.m. and called her son to help her out of the car and into the residence, according to NCSO Investigator Mickey Kitchens.
As the son was helping his mother, a black male reportedly ran up to them with a gun in his hand. He demanded their cell phones and the woman's purse, which they handed over, and then ran through the yard and left in a vehicle.
The suspect was described as approximately 6-feet 4-inches to 6-feet 5-inches tall, 180 to 190 pounds, and wearing an orange and white striped shirt, light colored jeans and white shoes.
The case is still under investigation, said Kitchens.
This robbery marks the fifth armed robbery in five months in Newton County that seemed to target victims of Asian descent, particularly small business owners.
A Chinese buffet restaurant on U.S. Highway 278 was held up at gunpoint March 31 by Anthony Flournoy, 21, of Conyers, and Rodrick Vason, 22, of Covington, who were arrested shortly after.
Also on March 31, the Asian owner of a wing take-out restaurant on Salem Road was robbed by two armed men who were dressed head to toe with black clothing and one with blue rubber gloves.
A group of three women and one man, all of Asian descent, were robbed at gunpoint at their apartment as they came home from work at a Covington restaurant late in the evening on May 10.
On June 13, two Asian women also coming home to a Newton County subdivision from work late at night were robbed at gunpoint by two black males who were waiting for them at their residence. In this instance, the perpetrators, one of which had shoulder-length dreadlocks, forced their way into the home and stole cash and their handbags before fleeing on foot towards the back of the house.
The incidents seem unrelated except for the victim groups, said Kitchens, since the suspects in each of the cases had different descriptions.
He said incidents where particular groups seem to be targeted have happened before throughout the metro-Atlanta area.
"They'll follow them home and rob them of their money. It'll happen for a while and then it'll quit," he said.
Small business owners can take steps to make themselves less of a target, said Kitchens. He recommended not doing the same routine every night when closing up and taking different routes home, though it make take a few more minutes.
Owners can also call deputies or officers to stand by while going to their car, he said. He also recommended taking any cash straight to a bank night drop box.
Anyone with information about the incidents can contact the NCSO at (678) 625-1400. Anonymous tips can be left online at www.newtonsheriffga.org and clicking on "Anonymous Tip," or by calling (678) 625-5007.
