Published Thursday, June 25, 2009

Suspect hunted in pizza robbery attempt

By Elizabeth Melville

The Newnan Times-Herald

Authorities have identified and are searching for a suspect they believe robbed a pizza delivery man south of Newnan Sunday night at gunpoint.

The armed suspect has been identified by investigators as 17-year-old Reginald Lee Washington of 55 Corn Row Court, in the Corn Crib neighborhood off Millard Farmer Road, according to Major James Yarbrough of the Coweta County Sheriff's Office.

The man is wanted for armed robbery.

The incident occurred Sunday at approximately 10:25 p.m. at 130 Corn Crib Drive -- a vacant residence in the Corn Crib neighborhood.

A Papa John's delivery man, Gregory Barrows, was delivering three pepperoni pizzas to the residence, according to Yarbrough. He arrived at the house, which was dark, and was met at the door by a man who said he was paying with a $50 bill and wanted change. As Barrows reached into his pocket, another male came down the steps of the residence with a rifle in hand. The armed perpetrator demanded Barrows' money and pizzas.

Barrows raised his hands slowly and backed out of the house to his vehicle, where he called 911, according to the major.

Investigators later learned that no one was living in the house.

Washington is the only suspect who has been identified, but Yarbrough says there could be an additional arrest.

Anyone with information is urged to call the sheriff's office, 770-253-1502.