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Gunman threatens to kill, then robs jeweler of watches valued at $300K

ATLANTA — A brazen armed robbery that took place in the heart of downtown Atlanta left a victim fearful for his life.

The intense encounter happened earlier this month in the parking garage of Twelve Centennial Park.

The victim, a 32-year-old jeweler, who asked Channel 2 Action News to not identify him or his business, said he had just gotten home from work when a stranger confronted him.

“I was at work. I left around 8 o’clock and went straight home. I parked in my regular parking spot,” he said. "There was somebody running toward me with a gun. Well, he said, 'Don't make me kill you.' That was the words he used," the victim said.

The robber pointed a gun in the victim's face, ordering the victim to hand over $300,000 in jewelry, including two Rolexs and a Richard Mille. The jeweler said he was targeted because he's known for selling expensive watches.

The victim believes the robber is working with a crew and may have attached a tracking device to his car and followed him home.

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"There was no way of getting out of that situation," he said. “It was almost like he knew I was wearing something valuable. There have been incidents inside the building and the parking deck in the past."

In the past, we've reported on other crimes that have taken place at the luxury high-rise on West Peachtree Street.

In January, we reported on a botched drug deal. When officers arrived, they found 28-year-old Bernard Gibson shot to death in the parking garage.

Channel 2's Michael Seiden reached out to management for comment. But as of Tuesday evening, no one has returned his calls.

The latest victim said he's had enough. He plans on moving out by the end of the month.

“It’s entirely exposed and it’s an easy target,” he said.

The victim said that there are surveillance cameras that captured the robbery.

The victim said the suspect was wearing a hoodie and that his face was covered.

If you have any information, you’re asked to call Crime Stoppers.