A quick gas station stop in southwest Atlanta turned into a costly detour for one driver, after roughly $13,000 in cash, a passport and an ID vanished from her parked car on May 1. Atlanta police have released surveillance images and identified Hassan Kounta as the prime suspect, saying he has since changed his appearance by cutting his hair. The victim later found her fanny pack inside the store, but when officers arrived she reported the money and documents missing.
What police say happened
According to FOX 5 Atlanta, officers responded around 6 p.m. to a gas station at 1722 Campbellton Road SW, at the corner of Campbellton and Stanton roads, after the woman reported her pack missing from her vehicle. The fanny pack later turned up inside the convenience store, but about $13,000 in U.S. cash, a passport and an identification card were gone, the outlet reports. Investigators identified Kounta as the suspect and noted that he had cut his hair after the theft.
Reward and how to tip
Crime Stoppers of Greater Atlanta is offering a reward of up to $5,000 for information that leads to an arrest, per the program's page. Tipsters can remain anonymous and contact the program by calling 404-577-TIPS (8477), using the P3 Tips app, texting CSGA to 738477, or visiting Crime Stoppers Atlanta. Authorities are asking anyone who was in the area around the time of the May 1 incident, or who has relevant video, to reach out through the tip line.
How to protect documents and cash
The size of the loss makes this case stand out and highlights how risky it can be to leave travel documents or large amounts of cash in an unattended vehicle. Investigators recommend keeping passports and other valuables on your person or locked in a trunk whenever possible, and checking nearby surveillance cameras quickly if a theft occurs. Neighbors and business owners with cameras near Campbellton and Stanton are asked to review footage from May 1 and share anything that might help with Crime Stoppers.
