FAIRBURN, Ga. — Police in Fairburn are searching for a man accused of brutally beating a woman at a church Thursday morning.
People who live and work near Fairburn United Methodist Church want the answers police say they're actively working to find.
"It is very sad that happened to her, especially when you're in a place to love people and give back to people," said Danielle Suggs.
Police say about 9 a.m. a teenager knocked on the church office door, asked to use the phone and then made a call.
"After that he came back into her office, the clerk's office, brandishing a baseball bat and he immediately began striking her about the head, arms and chest with the baseball bat demanding car keys," Fairburn police Sgt. Anthony Bazydlo said. "The clerk did not have the keys and told the suspect, 'I don't have the car keys. I don't have the car keys.'"
Investigators told Channel 2's Erica Byfield the suspect ran away seconds later. The clerk's injuries are severe.
Police say they are thankful a baby under 1 year old who was being cared for by the clerk at the time of the attack was not harmed.
"He must have had the bat with him when he came in either concealed in his clothing or behind his leg or behind his back where the clerk couldn't see it," Bazydlo said. "We did an immediate canvass of the area but unfortunately the suspect is still at large."
The victim said the teen was about 5 feet 2 inches to 5 feet 4 inches tall and weighed about 130 pounds. The teen had facial hair.
Anyone with information is asked to call the Fairburn Police Department at 770-964-1441.