The Decatur Police are investigating the armed robbery of the Family Dollar store in the Oakhurst neighborhood last night, Dec. 13, around 8:30 p.m.. According to reports, witnesses stated the suspect brandished a small black and silver handgun and demanded the clerk empty the cash register. The clerk needed a manager to open the register and called the on-duty manager who opened the register and placed its contents on the counter.

The suspect took the money and fled the store on foot toward Mead Road. No one was injured. An officer responding to the call observed a male on Oakview Road take flight into the woods. A perimeter was established and the area searched with the assistance of DeKalb County Police K9 and air units. The suspect was not located. The suspect was described as a black male, late 20’s-early 30’s, dark complexion, approximately 6’, wearing a black hoodie, black skull cap, black scarf, khaki pants and black shoes.

Collin Kelley is the executive editor of Atlanta Intown, Georgia Voice, and the Rough Draft newsletter. He has been a journalist for nearly four decades and is also an award-winning poet and novelist.