Police detain three people linked to carjacking of hotel valet
ATLANTA - Atlanta Police announced Thursday afternoon they have recovered a vehicle stolen in an early morning carjacking at a Buckhead hotel valet lot.
The crime took place at around 1 a.m. at the Doubletree Hotel located in the 3300 block of Peachtree Road Northeast.
Police say the valet took the keys of a gray 2018 Dodge Challenger from a guest.
When the valet drove the car around in the lot, investigators said a masked gunman approached and demanded he turn over the keys.
Police said the gunman picked up his armed accomplice, then drove off southbound on Peachtree Street.
Police called this a senseless crime of opportunity and think the carjackers likely waited for the right time to hit.
Investigators said it appears the gunmen were on foot before they stole the car, which has Tennessee plates reading 3H1P7.
According to Atlanta Police, The Doubletree doesn't have surveillance cameras covering the valet lot. But police said with so many other hotels and restaurants in the area, they hoped to find a camera that captured the crooks either before or after the crime.
Thursday afternoon, Atlanta Police spokesman Carlos Campos told FOX 5’s Portia Bruner officers had recovered the vehicle and detained three people for questioning. Campos said no one is charged with the crime, but the investigation continues.
On Friday, Atlanta Police released a mugshot of DeShawn Rashad Martin, who authorities said is a suspect in the crime.
This is the latest crime that’s ticked off a group of Buckhead residents.
Members of Concerned Citizens United wore blue in a show of unity Monday as they fired their concerns at Atlanta City Council members.
Members told council members they believe Atlanta Police are doing what they can to prevent crime and make quick arrests, but insist City Hall could do a lot more to help deter crime.
They urged the city council to increase police salaries so the department can retain and hire officers and hire additional officers.