According to Covington Police Detective Daniel Seals, just after 6 a.m. on July 4 the Holiday Inn Express was robbed by a black male with a blued pump shotgun with a short or pistol grip wood stock. The man came into the business and reportedly demanded money from the clerk then immediately left in what the witness believed was a dark-colored Nissan Altima.

"The clerk did exactly what I would advise people to do, which is to give them they money. Money can be replaced; your life cannot," Seals said.
It is believed that the suspect may also be responsible for two other robberies. On July 2 the Newton County Sheriff's Office responded to a robbery at Doster's store and on July 3 the Whistle Post Tavern in Conyers was also robbed by a man matching his description.

He is described as approximately 6-foot-2-inches and 6-foot-4-inches with a thin build. He consistently covers his face with what appears to be articles of clothing - wrapping them around his face. In at least two of the robberies, witnesses have noticed a dark Nissan Altima.

"There are definitely folks out there who know who this guy is," said Seals. "You don't know what is in these people's heads. Anyone who would go into a business with any type of weapon - let alone a shotgun - and demand money, you have no idea how far they'll go to get what they want."

Anyone with information is asked to contact Seals at (770) 385-2144 or by e-mail at daniel.seals@covingtonpolice.com. A picture from the security camera can be viewed at www.covingtonpolice.com and anonymous tips can be left on that Web site as well.