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Police seek robber wearing 'Russian military-type' hat

ATLANTA — An unusual hat might lead to a break in the investigation into a violent armed robbery at an Atlanta bar and a Douglasville convenience store.
 
Security video shows two gunmen robbing Ralph's Easy Shop on Bankhead Highway. One of the gunmen is seen wearing what police are calling a "Russian military-type hat" with long ear flaps. That hat matches exactly the description and sketch of one of the two gunmen who held up the Highland Pub on North Highland Avenue in Inman Park.
 
Douglas County Major Case Unit Detective Clinton Ratliff said once Atlanta police saw that security video, they contacted him.
 
"(They) believed that the suspects matched," said Ratliff.  "What led us to believe the suspects are the same suspects was the unique head gear.  That's a very unique way to try and conceal your identity."
 
Saiful Alam is the Douglasville clerk robbed by the two gunmen.  He said the two men rushed inside and grabbed him, then fired a shot into some cans of Coca-Cola.
 
"It was quick, like I saw in the movies," said Alam. "It's like that. One, two, three.  It's gone."
 
The video shows the man wearing the hat walking outside without the hat on.  Investigators hope someone will recognize one or both of the gunmen and contact either Douglasville or Atlanta police or the Douglas County Sheriff's Office.

Authorities are offering a $7,000 reward for information leading to an arrest or conviction. Tipsters can call Atlanta Crimestoppers at 404-577-8477.