Local

Police forced to take shot on man who robbed Holcomb Bridge Pizza Hut

ROSWELL, Ga. — A Charlotte, N.C. man is in the Fulton County jail after Roswell police say he robbed a pizza parlor then threatened an officer who was forced to shoot at him.

Cordvontay Sexton, 22, faces robbery and aggravated assault charges. Investigators said Sexton robbed the Pizza Hut on Holcomb Bridge Road about 11 p.m. Wednesday.

"Suspect walks into the Pizza Hut brandishing a handgun, demanding money from the store and from the employees working there," Officer Lisa Holland told Channel 2's Mike Petchenik.

Holland said Sexton bolted out the back door into a nearby neighborhood off Mansell Circle. Officers quickly arrived, and thanks to a good description from victims, Holland said they were able to quickly locate the fleeing robbery suspect.

"He turned around and made a threatening movement with the handgun and our officer fired at him," said Holland, adding that the officer missed hitting Sexton. "We are trained. When someone's pointing a gun at us, or it looks like they're going to attempt to shoot us, whether it's a real gun or a fake gun. We have to take action right away."

Neighbor Raquel Sabogal told Petchenik she heard the gunshots, but assumed they were fireworks.

"I fell asleep, and then around 12, the Roswell police were knocking on my door," she said. "They were searching around the back of the house."

Sabogal said she was surprised it happened so close to her home.

"That never happens here," she said. "I've lived here a long time and have never heard something like that close."

Police said the veteran officer involved is on paid administrative leave while the GBI investigates the shooting.