A routine taxi run in Norcross turned frightening on May 10 when a passenger allegedly pulled a knife on his driver, and now Gwinnett County detectives want the public’s help to track him down. The driver managed to get away and later reported the confrontation to police.
How the incident unfolded
According to CBS News Atlanta, the driver picked up the man on May 10 and drove him to the 1500 block of Shenta Oak Drive in Norcross. When they arrived, the passenger paid only part of the fare and said he would step into a nearby home to grab the rest.
He came back holding a pole in one hand and a knife in the other, CBS News Atlanta reports. Investigators say he then used the blade to threaten the driver. The cabby did not stick around to see what happened next, instead leaving the neighborhood and contacting police afterward.
Police release photos, ask for tips
Detectives with the Gwinnett County Police Department have released two photos of the suspect and are asking anyone who recognizes him to come forward. Tipsters can call the department’s line at 770-513-5300 or reach Crime Stoppers at 404-577-TIPS (8477). Anonymous callers may be eligible for a cash reward, according to FOX 5 Atlanta.
What police say — and what's missing
So far, investigators have not shared a physical description of the man or said whether he actually lived at the home he walked toward, which leaves them working with limited leads, CBS News Atlanta reports.
Police are urging residents in the area to pull any relevant footage from doorbell or security cameras and send it their way if it shows the suspect or anything unusual around the time of the incident.
Local context
The request for help comes as Norcross-area officers juggle several high-profile investigations this spring, including a recent bust that uncovered fentanyl, guns and a truckload of fake Coach. Neighbors say the steady drumbeat of cases has some residents feeling on edge.
Anyone who recognizes the man in the released photos or has information tied to the May 10 confrontation is asked to call Gwinnett detectives at 770-513-5300 or Crime Stoppers at 404-577-TIPS (8477). Tips can be submitted anonymously and may qualify for a cash reward, according to FOX 5 Atlanta.
