FOX 5 Viewer Helps Police Identify Suspect

ATLANTA - A FOX 5 viewer helps identify an armed robber. Now Atlanta police said they have linked him to a string of armed robberies across the city.

Atlanta police are asking for the public’s help finding 21-year-old Devonte Farmer. Investigators said he is part of a four-man crew responsible for seven robberies throughout the city.

It started back in September when DeKalb County police said Ivan Walker was ambushed by two well- dressed men while in his driveway.

“I went to move towards them, and that’s when the bullet hit here,” said Ivan Walker as he pointed to a wound on his hand.

Walker said the armed robbers shot him once and took off with his wallet, car keys and cell phone. After airing his story in October, a FOX 5 viewer called police with information about Farmer.

“It seems unfortunate to get shot, but you know I am kind of delighted that something came out of this, because had I not been shot, there probably would not be this development, and there would not be a suspect," Walker said.

Police issued a search warrant at Farmer’s home. Atlanta police assisted.

“He was not at the residence at the time,” Atlanta Police Investigator Mike Buckley said. “Evidence recovered linked him to other business robberies and stolen automobiles and auto thefts from other robberies earlier in the year."

Now Atlanta police said Farmer is connected to three other armed robberies, including one seen in surveillance video at the Texaco gas station on 14th street.  In the video police said you can see Farmer holding a gun and jumping over the counter. Investigators said Farmer’s step-brother, Delvante West, who is also seen in surveillance video pointing a gun at the same gas station, was arrested and is behind bars at The Fulton County Jail. Detectives said it is imperative they find Farmer before there are any other incidents. 

“It is very important to catch him,” Buckley said. “Definitely a danger to the public."

Atlanta police ask anyone with information to call Crime Stoppers. There is a $2,000 reward for information that leads to an arrest.