Decatur PD Arrest Chick-Fil-A Phone Robber
Decatur Metro | August 25, 2011Here’s Decatur Deputy Police Chief Keith Lee’s press release on the recent phone thefts at Chick-Fil-A. The guy arrested seems to be the same guy who was stabbed in an altercation at Decatur Library back in May.
The following is a synopsis of the two incidents which occurred at Chick-Fil-A restaurant during the past two weeks.
Incident #1
On August 18, 2011 a 14 year old Decatur resident was inside the restaurant when he was approached by another male. The unidentified male asked to borrow the victim’s cellular telephone. The victim voluntarily allowed the suspect to use his cellular telephone. Instead of using the telephone and returning it to the victim, the suspect left the restaurant with the telephone. The victim followed the suspect to retrieve his property. The suspect then verbally threatened the victim and the victim stopped following the suspect. The suspect was last seen walking northbound on North McDonough Street in the company of another male. Investigators were able to obtain photographs of the suspects from surveillance cameras.
Incident #2
On August 24, 2011, Decatur Police responded to a reported fight at the Chick-Fil-A restaurant. A 37 year old patron advised he was sitting in the dining area, when an unidentified suspect walked by his table and grabbed his cellular telephone, which was lying on the table. The victim tried to stop the suspect and a physical altercation ensued. At that time several other unidentified males assaulted the victim. The suspects then fled the area on foot. Responding officers located the main suspect near the Decatur library and after a brief foot chase, took him into custody. The victim was brought to the arrest location and positively identified the suspect, Taurus Barber (age 19) as his assailant.
After the arrest of Barber, Decatur Police investigators reviewed the photographs from Incident # I and identified Barber as the suspect in that incident. Warrants were obtained for Barber for incident #1.
Taurus Barber was booked into the DeKalb County Jail for the following offenses:
Incident #1
Theft by Conversion (misd)
Simple Assault
(misd)Incident #2
Robbery (felony)
Battery (misd)
Obstruction of a Law Enforcement Officer (misd)
Hmmm… so it wasn’t “DHS kids”…. except as the victims.
My first thought, exactly!
This is SO useful:
1) It sounds like a bad egg has caused several incidents in Decatur and we are definitely safer with him off the streets.
2) Good to know that suspects are probably not DHS students, although I’m not surprised.
3) The “may I borrow your phone” scam is a good one to warn free-ranging offspring about. Have to say that I could fall for it too.
I thought the same thing, when I read about “can I borrow your phone”. My tween is such a rule-follower, if an adult asked to borrow his phone, he would hand it right over.
I have actually been asked the same thing by a young person outside the downtown MARTA station, so a warning to our kids sould be important!
Honestly, I’d have probably done the same thing. I’ve let people use my cell before and I would not have thought someone would ask to use it in public and then just walk off with it. Pretty bold.
From now on, I’ll offer to make a call for someone but no handing over the phone. And, judging by the second incident, keeping the phone out of sight in public.
Had a conversation with my one child who has a cell phone and, as I suspected, this child wasn’t at all sure what they would do. Not on their radar screen. So this was an opportunity to say–if anyone you don’t know asks you to lend anything, do anything, say anything that you are uncomfortable with, you just say that your parents have forbidden you to do that and immediately walk away. But if confronted with force, hand whatever it is over and run for adult help.
I find it much harder to judge what child can deal with what at what age than some folks posting here. I’ve overdone it in both directions. I remember a stage when one child became overfearful and was obsessed with keeping our doors locked at all times after hearing about car break-ins on our street. On the other hand, we need to convey a little more of a reality check if that same child looked at me blankly when I asked if they would lend their cell phone to a young man they don’t know at CFA.
Another job well done by Decatur PD…and a nice reminder that our taxes pay for more than just the fine school system. Very happy to call Decatur home.
Yeah, remind your DeKalb County friends about things like this when they tell you that they “wouldn’t pay Decatur taxes”.
More like “couldn’t pay Decatur taxes” on my side of things.
Actually, after DeKalb’s recent rate increase, there’s not too much difference. Plus, if you’re in DeKalb, you may pay more for your homeowner’s insurance due to their lower rating.
This ignores the fact that unincorporated Dekalb’s home values tend to be significantly lower than CoDs.
+1 My taxes went way down after the recent reappraisals in our neighborhood…even with the increase. My family had to move out of COD in the early 2000’s when the bubble was reaching it’s peak and taxes have gone up since then.
Not that I necessarily agree, but some on the northside would argue that they have less of a need for police to deal with thugs than Decatur does.
Those people need to check the crime stats and compare.
+1. Way to go, DPD!
Thank you Decatur Police. In other places a victim would be told to go to the police station and file a report, we however take these incidents seriously and work to catch the perpetrator, build a sound case, and get them off the streets. Well done!
+1
DeKalb will tell you to go to the main office, pick up a report and give to the insurance company – no looking at tapes, questioning people, nothing. Love Decatur!!!
http://www.mugshots.com/US-Counties/Georgia/DeKalb-County-GA/T/Taurus-Jamal-Barber.html
Who knew there were so many guys named “Taurus” in DeKalb County??? Wonder if all of their astrological signs are actually Taurus…
Seems like, given his choice of occupation, he is named after the gun manufacturer rather than the astrological sign…
http://www.taurususa.com/index.cfm
Excellent.
What’s he got on in that picture, do they give free haircuts at the jail? Glad he’s off the streets.
Why do you think they call him Barber?
See! I wasn’t overreacting! It was really scary to witness with or with out little kids. I feel terrible thinking it was high school students who started the fight, but to my defense, it was really crowded and hard to tell what the heck was going on. It was also really loud and everyone was shouting. This all happened right after the place got flooded with high school kids. I’m just really happy they caught the guy. You would think that taking little ones to the library and Chick-fil-a would be safe places to visit in downtown Decatur.
Our kids don’t attend CDS schools, but I’m happy to pay taxes for this service from our police department and I also happy no one got hurt.
I don’t think you should feel terrible. Your original post just said you thought it was high school boys, not specifically DHS students. The guy arrested is 19, it’s not like he is 35. He probably is or was recently a high school student somewhere. It also sounds like he had accomplices the second time, so I think your original perception was pretty accurate.
DMof3, not to beat a dead horse even deader, but my query to you in re: overreacting was to your saying you weren’t going back to the Chik-Fil-A till things were “fixed”. Yes, they got this kid off the street (I agree with THC that you wouldn’t have been alone in IDing him as a high schooler– he’s still pretty young), but who’s to say there’ll be no more incidents there (or anywhere else)? When can you ever be sure that things are “fixed”, even with this one behond bars? My main intent was to ask why you or anyone else would allow something like this to keep you from going wherever you pleased, not to imply that I thought you were exaggerating the incident itself. I’m d@mned if I’ll let some punk thug keep me from enjoying where I live, so I guess I was wondering why you would. I didn’t think you were overstating what had happened– just asking why you felt so strongly about not going back. I’m really sorry that my questions made you feel defensive and attacked, because that wasn’t where I was coming from.
What I meant by waiting until this was “fixed” was that I was going to wait until the problem w/ this guy was settled. CFA told me they knew they had a problem and they were working w/ the police department.
I realize that violence can happen anywhere at anytime. And yes, I realize that they caught the guy and he could be back somewhere next week causing another problem somewhere else.
But, while this is fresh in our minds, we’ll stick to the drive thru for a while because honestly, I don’t think my kids will want to go back there anytime soon. It was really hard on them. They (and I) have never witnessed this before, but maybe we are just a little too sheltered and sometimes feel a little too safe in Decatur.
I’m normally a lurker with few comments, but cuba, I have to speak up. I know from previous posts that there is a childed vs. unchilded disconnect (sorry–thought it was more politically corrected that spawnfull vs spawnless, or childed vs under-childed–kidding!!). I think that as a parent, your child’s safety is so paramount in your everyday existence, that to have any incident where you feel that it is the least bit threatened is to make a parent very wary of approaching that situation again. I agree that if I were alone, no thug would keep me from my spicy chicken sandwich, but as I am rarely without my 2 offspring, it would be much more likely they would be with me. I empathize with dmo3. And I would settle for the drive-thru when my kiddos want CFA, until I felt that the dining room after school was a place where I felt safe again.
“I felt that the dining room after school was a place where I felt safe again.”
Please define that.
Trish, I empathize as well, it was probably very scary. But it’s also important not to over blow this incident. He’s dangerous, and he’s now where he belongs. And we can’t be fearful to live our lives, and stop doing things we enjoy, based on incidents like this.
You mention the disconnect, and your comment shows the mentality of where the disconnect originates from. Say what you are really thinking instead of whitewashing. “You don’t have kids, so you’ll never understand the plight to keep our children safe” If that’s how you feel, then that’s how you feel. But you know absolutely nothing of any of our backgrounds. I will say this because cuba has in the past, and I’m not really outing her. But her experience with an assault qualifies her to speak on violence, whether she has a child or not. At least to me anyhow, and I would say probably most others as well.
I recently met someone who told me they had no children when we first met casually. Later she told me that her child died many many years ago in a fire, and she just didn’t get into with most people. So I hope what you take away from this, and what I mentioned above, is that you never know who you are dealing with. Try to keep that in mind before you make such comments. Thanks!
Thanks, chica. I don’t belabor my past experience, not even for the sake of defending myself, because I am determined not to let what happened to me define me. Any survivor of violence, in whatever form, can tell you that living your life in fear is no way to live, it keeps you a victim, and it lets the bad guys win. I’m bloody well not going to sign on to that. It’s hard to get some people to understand that having kids can change your perspective, but it doesn’t automatically make your perspective about certain things superior to others’. But you know what? I get where that mentality comes from, so I just try to shrug it off, because no one’s going to change that mindset just by pointing out the error of their thinking. That’s OK, too, because everyone’s entitled to their own opinions. All that aside, I do appreciate your saying what needed to be said– better than I could!
Rebecca, I hear what you are saying, and if I felt unqualified to speak to this issue I would be keeping my mouth shut now. But I was a victim of assault at the 5 points Marta station as a student at GSU. Years later, I was held up a gunpoint with my infant son in my arms at a lenox parking lot. So I actually do feel that I can speak to the difference between experiencing violence as an individual and as a mother when your children are present. And you are absolutely right. You never know who you are dealing with, and care should be taken in making such comments.
Fair enough…
And no one here is suggesting that we should be careless.
The “you just don’t get it” have bee cropping up on a more frequent basis here lately, and I’m not really sure why. At some point from listening to a few other posters, we have all been responsible for children in some capacity, and love them.
I agree that there are some things you have experienced that I never have. If a conversation gets started in FFAF about a mom having problems getting her baby to latch on, then that’s something I’m staying completely out of. But many of the places the comments are cropping up, are on matters that simply involve using good old-fashioned common sense.
It’s worth noting that not every woman has have given birth, is a person with good judgement, that should be trusted above all others, merely because she has. And just because someone hasn’t physically given birth, doesn’t mean they ignorant to all situations involving children.
I just really get tired of the “you don’t get it comment” it doesn’t take into account everything that a person has been through in their lives. It just sounds more like an easy cheap shot, to hurl at someone who you disagree with. But based on your other comments, it doesn’t sound like you were coming from a mean spirited place. Others however…
No harm done. I really wasn’t trying to be mean-spirited; just ally a bit with dmo3 who brought something to my attention that is of interest to me because of my experiences. I do agree that sometimes the posts here can get be a little over-generalized/simplified. However, I do have a tremendous respect for the posters here and the opinions expressed. I have been a long time reader but an infrequent poster because sometimes, it feels like you have to submit your credentials before you can present an opinion (at least on some topics). Thanks for the conversation!
Hi Trish. Just sayin hi. I got slammed yesterday for saying “+1″ (sheesh) so I’m not saying nothin no more. Not bout this at least.
Thanks Scott. And Hi. My comments about feeling safe again would be something I would define based on my experience. I too, have been a victim of violence, and am just saying that everyone deals differently with getting over it. Maybe it takes a week or a month; maybe I go in there by myself a time or two to check things out. I wasn’t trying to be confrontational or slam anyone; and I certainly wasn’t trying to condescend to anyone who has been a victim of violence. I was merely saying that I have also had my children with me in dangerous situations, it does make one more wary about approaching same situation next time with kids. So I hear what DMo3 is saying. Everyone brings their own experience, and I think having your kids witness violence, or believing that they are in danger, does give you a perspective on DMo3’s concerns.
No question. Experience is the thing.
In my opinion, letting fear control your decsions (at most levels) is rarely good.
Thanks for the warning, Decaturmomof3. And no worries about mistaking the perp for a high school student. All people under 30 look the same to me too.
I’m thankful also for the surveillance cameras, which were used to pin the cell phone theft on this person too. I remember at one point there was a debate about whether the city should install them on the square. While this camera was probably from the restaurant, I think it still shows their benefit.
Anyone know if this is the same dude who drives the bright orange mid ’80s Monte Carlo around #SouthDecatur?
How much money can you even get for a phone?? I always thought that if you report it stolen it become useless and you can’t get service added to it. If this is not the case then something should be done to fix that! Do they get sold on eBay overseas or something? So many people get robbed and even killed over a stupid cell phones.
I’d like to know if anyone has knowledge about this.
He didn’t steal to sell it. He stole it to steal it. Intimidating the hell out of someone is way more valuable to this guy and his ilk.
How do you know that? There is a market for used cell phones.
I assume smart phones are the target. I recently saw a statistic that, in New York, 40+ percent of property crimes involve smart phones. The report said that there was a push to require all carriers to use a “kill switch” that makes the phone useless if it is reported stolen.
” I always thought that if you report it stolen it become useless and you can’t get service added to it.”
From what I’ve read, only Verizon has such a “kill switch” currently in the U.S. All carriers in Europe have it, I think. Of course, if the motive is simply intimidation, then it wouldn’t stop incidents like this one.
Wow, only Verizon has the kill switch. There should be a law requiring all carriers to do this. It happens over and over in Atlanta, people getting robbed for their phones and credit cards. And the credit cards you can cancel! I just don’t understand the risk of going to jail for years for little if no profit.
“I just don’t understand the risk of going to jail for years for little if no profit.”
“Years” is probably not the typical case. Regardless, when you have a class of people who feel they have nothing to lose, you can expect to see an increase of these types of crimes. The description “brazen robbers” seems to be becoming a common one in the media lately.
Same guy from the stabbing at the library?
Which means, he got a slap on the wrist for that.
Now these 2 instances, however I wonder how many have gone unreported.
Odds are he’ll be out with a slap on the wrist again.
Wait– I thought the library stabber was the child-molester/pervert…or do I have my perps crossed?
Different dudes.
per the article- The guy arrested seems to be the same guy who was stabbed in an altercation at Decatur Library back in May. link to the prev DM article http://www.decaturmetro.com/2011/05/25/juvenille-stabbed-in-self-defense-at-decatur-library/
Thank you for all of the comments and feedback regarding the incident that took place in our restaurant yesterday. We are thankful to our Decatur PD for the quick arrest of the suspect. We love our Decatur High School students and regular customers every afternoon. We do not allow loitering in our dining room. You must be a paying customer to hang out at Chick-fil-A. It was an unfortunate and isolated incident that was quickly and professionally handled by the Decatur PD. We are grateful. We are confident that you and your kids are safe in our dining room at any of the time of the day.
Please feel free to contact us at any time with feedback, comments or concerns.
Thanks, John and Cristina Crays
Owner/Operators Chick-fil-A Downtown Decatur
404.371.1466
Thank you for your untiring support of CSD schools, hiring of Decatur teens and adults, and wonderful family event nights. Our city’s children have known your friendly Cow since kindergarten and look forward to seeing him/her as they leave school on Chick-fil-A nights. Your establishment is truly a home away from home for many of us, not to mention emergency drive-thru meals when our hectic schedules are filled with work, school, sports, clubs, and other activities. The fact that many of us know you by name shows how much you are a part of our community. Sorry you had to deal with some criminals and hope that you continue to enjoy working with us in Decatur!
Thanks Cristina! And thanks, too, for making the students leave after they’ve been there for an hour. Or so my high school daughter tells me. I think it’s great for you guys to control your dining room and make room for other paying customers. But you are so generous to continue allowing them to descend upon your dining room every day after school! Thanks for welcoming them but also enforcing the rules. You guys rock. I am so happy it’s the CFA across the street from our high school and not the scary Hardee’s! LOL!
While we’re heaping praise on Cick-Fil-A, I’d like to point out that John and Christina donate lunch every year to hundred of volunteers during the Decatur MLK Service Project. Details about the project can be found by clicking on the Decatur Preservation Alliance link on the right side of this page. Thanks to CFA for being such good corporate citizens!
Of course, that’s Chick! (I do wish we had a preview and edit function here!)
Thank you Mrs. Crays. I will be at my Decatur Chick-fil-A tomorrow And if I am there with my kids and someone robs somebody or fights with somebody, I will remove my kids to safety and then talk to them about what we saw and how the behavior was unacceptable and what to do when we see that type of situation in the future and about how there are people who do bad things in this world and how we should be aware and handle such things in life without living in a state of panic or crippling fear.
WORD. And I think I’ll mosey over for my weekly strawberry shake, too…
How exactly do you explain this to a three year old? I think I did a pretty good job of explaining what happened to my 5 and 7 year olds, but they are still a little young to comprehend what happened. I just keep thinking about them looking at me and asking over and over, “what’s going on mommy?” while huge men (thinking about their perspective) are punching the heck out of each other and yelling.
I am not going to have my kids to go back to CFA for a while just to teach them a lesson about not living in fear because of their age. If they were a little older or this happened to me when I wasn’t with my kids, I’m sure I would have a different perspective on the situation.
We love CFA and will go back as soon as we are all ready.
“How exactly do you explain this to a three year old?”
*****************************************
OK, I will try to answer this one in my newer, kindler, gentler tone so as to avoid the dreaded [edited] function. You tell the three year old that those were bad people who did a bad thing and that it could have happened anywhere. If you make a big deal about avoiding Chick Fil-A specifically because of that incident then you just reinforce to the kid that CFA is somehow complicit or responsible for the incident, which couldn’t be further from the truth.
I swear I’m not trying to be snarky or flippant. I just don’t understand how you could ever take your kids ANYWHERE if one of the most family friendly establishments in one of the most family friendly cities anywhere is considered off-limits.
+1
I think she wants to give her kids time to heal from what she believes was a traumatic incident for them. That seems understandable and completely her decision.
I think it’s a parenting style thing. Some parents are very open with their kids about what goes on in the world and expect their kids to process it at their level. They also expect their kids to be brave and put things into perspective – with the help of parental wisdom.
I have three kids who are a bit older. The first thing I would have done with them after this incident (even with the three year old) is to make a point of going back to CFA the next day to show them that this kind of thing is a very rare occurrence and that the world is a safe place 99.9% of the time.
I’d also ask them to describe the people involved to me and emphasize how important it is to keep your wits about you when things get crazy and to really pay attention to the people involved so you can give a good description to the police.
A lot of people think I’m nuts, but my philosophy (and studies back this up) is that kids who are taught that things like this are horrible and traumatizing and are to be run away from will absolutely freeze if they every find themselves in a scary situation. Kids who are taught to keep a cool head, breathe, think clearly and most of all don’t panic are safer overall.
+1
+1000 MrFixIt!
So that’s why there were six cop cars in our side street that day and the cops were taking pictures of the underside of a bush.
Friday, 8/26/11, 3:15 P.M.
All Quiet On The Chick-Fil-A Front