Police: violent man wanted for robberies on the run

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He was armed, dangerous, and on the run after robbing a couple of businesses in Gwinnett County. One of the robberies occurred at Stars and Strikes in Loganville Sunday morning, minutes before the bowling alley opened for business.

A video shows the gunman first robs an employee of cash from what appears to be a cash register till by where the bowling shoes are located. Then the two are off camera, returning a short time later, to a register where he steals more money.

“He’s obviously comfortable doing this and he has no issue robbing people and attempting to rob people and shooting people,” said Samiy McCuff, a customer at the bowling alley.

Gwinnett County Police said the gunman held one person at bay for short time.

Investigators said when a man called 911 for help the gunman fired multiple rounds at him.

“He’s a little crazy. He’s a little too crazy for society. He needs to be away for a while,” said Tyler Garcia, a customer at the bowling alley.

A few days earlier at the Homestay Suites in Lilburn police said the same man robbed the hotel clerk of cash.

Police have identified the robber has been identified as Willie James Rivers, considered armed and dangerous. Sgt. Jake Smith told FOX 5 News Rivers has a distinct large silver revolver which has not been recovered.

“For him to use that large distinct revolver kind of made it easy for us to tie the crimes together,” said Sgt. Smith.

Smith told FOX 5 News Gwinnett County Police did recover the lime green 2014 Mustang Rivers abandoned at the bowling alley parking lot when he fled on foot after robbing the business and taking shots at someone here.

“I reckon if he’s armed and dangerous that’s about all the information you need to get him off the street don’t want that kind of stuff around here, don’t want it happening again. The next time it happens it could be worse,” said Tyler Garcia.

Anyone with information on the whereabouts of Rivers is asked to contact Gwinnett County Police or Crime Stoppers at 404-577-TIPS. There could be a $2,000 reward involved and tipsters can remain anonymous.

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