Police: robbery broadcast live on social media
ATLANTA - Police said teenagers broadcasting live on a social media app were targeted and ambushed by a robber, and the violent attack on one of the teens was caught on video.
Police released a clip of the live stream from the app called "Twitch" in the hopes the public can identify the violent suspect.
The ordeal happened Aug. 31 off Lee Street SW, as the 18-year-old victim and a friend were staying in the area for the Dragon Con weekend festivities and walked towards MARTA. While one teenager maintained a live broadcast of the two walking around Atlanta, police said a suspect can be seen on the live feed approaching the two, and then ambushes the victim.
"The guy came behind me, and took the camera away from me," the victim tells FOX 5 by phone. "He started hitting me over the head. He hit me a couple of times because he wanted me to let go of the camera," he said.
"I guess he just saw me as an easy target," the victim said, eventually letting the camera go because he was concerned the suspect could have a weapon.
Witnesses can be heard in the background yelling "call the police."
Police said they are not sure if the suspect could be from the area, but said he was on foot during the attack.
Anyone with information is asked to call Atlanta Police or Crime Stoppers. Tipsters can remain anonymous and receive a reward up to $2,000 for information leading to an arrest.