Armed thief assaults employee during gas station robbery on Jonesboro Road

ATLANTA - Authorities are searching for an unidentified man who robbed a gas station at gunpoint, assaulted an employee, and fled with cash, according to Atlanta Police Department.

What we know:

On Jan. 29 at approximately 6:51 a.m., officers responded to an armed robbery at a gas station located in the 1800 block of Jonesboro Road SE in Atlanta. Upon arrival, officers spoke to the reporting party, who described a harrowing encounter with a thief.

According to the report, an unidentified male entered the store using a blue and white patterned blanket to conceal his identity. The thief forced his way through a door leading to the front counter, brandished a firearm, and struck the employee multiple times. He then stole approximately $150 from the cash register before running away. 

The thief was described as a male wearing a green shirt, blue pants, and brown shoes.

What we don't know:

The identity of the thief remains unknown, and police have not yet confirmed whether he acted alone or if there were accomplices involved. It is also unclear if the thief has any connection to similar crimes in the area.

What's next:

Detectives are reviewing surveillance footage from the gas station and surrounding businesses to identify the suspect. Police are asking for the public's assistance in locating the individual responsible for the robbery.

What you can do:

Anyone with information regarding this case is encouraged to submit a tip anonymously to the Crime Stoppers Atlanta tip line at 404-577-TIPS (8477), online at StopCrimeAtl.org, or by texting CSGA and the tip to CRIMES (738477). Tipsters do not have to provide their name or any identifying information and may be eligible for a reward of up to $2,000.