Atlanta

Man says he was attacked by knife-wielding man dressed as prostitute

ATLANTA — A man concerned about prostitution in his neighborhood said he was attacked by a man dressed as a prostitute.

The man said he went to the intersection of Piedmont Avenue and 3rd Street early Friday morning and pulled out his phone to record suspicious behavior.

The man recorded video of a person dressed in women’s clothing waving a knife and threatening him.

He said the person he encountered threw a piece of concrete at him.

Police said they arrested Raymond Hill shortly after the incident on aggravated assault charges.

“It was about a 10-pound chunk of concrete that was lobbed inches from his head,” said Nicholas, the victim’s neighbor.

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Nicholas is one of many neighbors who said late-night prostitution is constant.

“They’re all over the streets. They’re committing indecent acts in the streets,” he said.

Neighbors said long-discussed police cameras could help crack down on crimes.

Councilman Kwanza Hall said cameras are on the table.

“I might be able to come up with a few dollars from my office and in partnership with others to put a few dedicated cameras along that part of Piedmont,” he said.

He’s also touting a pre-arrest diversion program that will take effect next month to address nonviolent crime, like prostitution.

“Instead of clogging up our system, police time and taking them to jail, we want them to get the service they need so they don’t have to be out on the corners of Piedmont and 3rd  and all the streets around here,” Hall said.

Neighbors said they just want to see a change.

“The residents here have been very patient with the situation,” Nicholas said.