Chatham County (December 19, 2022) – Police were called to the Smoke City shop at 48 W Montgomery Cross Road after receiving a report that a female victim had been inappropriately touched by a male shopper who had visited the store with his young daughter. That shopper was later identified as Atiim Johnson.
When police arrived at Smoke City, they met with two employees, including the victim. According to the victim, at approximately 5:20 pm, an older black male and a female child, around four years old, entered Smoke City. She advised the man that the child was not allowed in the store, so the other employee waited outside with the girl while Johnson shopped alone in the store.
While shopping, Johnson began making crude remarks to the store clerk, such as, “You make my Johnson stiff, do you want a stiff Johnson?” When the clerk said “no,” Johnson said he had a hotel next door for three nights if she wanted to have sex with him. When she said no, he replied, “If you don’t want to fu*k me, would you fu*k my daughter?” The clerk assumed he was referring to the child outside.
The clerk grabbed the item he wanted to try and get Johnson out of the store quickly. As she walked from behind the counter, Johnson followed her to the front corner of the store and cornered her. He touched her breasts and ran his hand down her right side and the side of her buttocks while he touched himself in the crotch area of his pants. The victim was so traumatized she froze and could not speak.
After touching her, Johnson stopped and said, “I better leave before I get myself in trouble,” and left the store with the child. He had paid with cash but did not take the merchandise. The victim’s mother picked her up shortly after he left.
Police viewed the entire incident on camera footage captured by the security cameras at Smoke City. Police walked next door to the Studio 6 motel and were able to obtain a description and room number for the suspect. Police attempted to contact Johnson, but no one answered the door.
As a result of the investigation, Johnson has been charged with sexual battery and false imprisonment in the case. This case is currently pending in court.
Officer’s Narrative:
[Please note: The following is a direct transcription from the official initial incident report. The Georgia Gazette does not fix any spelling or grammatical errors that may exist. Any changes or redactions made by our staff are placed inside brackets. Some errors may exist. All subjects are innocent until proven guilty in a court of law. The topics discussed may be sensitive to some readers. Discretion is advised.]
On December 19, 2022, I responded to a call at 48 W Montgomery Cross Rd (Smoke City) regarding a sexual battery report.
Upon arriving on scene, I made contact with Smoke City employee and victim, [VICTIM #1]. Ms. [VICTIM #1] advised on December 18, 2022, at approximately 17:20, an older black male (approximately 45-50 years old) and a young black female (approximately 4 years old) with pink or purple colored braids entered the Smoke City. She advised the male was told that the child was not allowed in the store, so another employee, [REDACTED], waited outside with the child while the male remained alone in the store.
Ms. [VICTIM #1] advised the male immediately began making crude remarks to her such as, “You make my Johnson stiff, do you want a stiff Johnson?” When Ms. [VICTIM #1] advised she told the male “no” he told her that he had a motel room next door for the next three nights and asked if she wanted to have sex with him. Ms. [VICTIM #1] advised when she said “no” again, the male stated, “If you don’t want to fu*k me, would you fu*k my daughter?” Ms. [VICTIM #1] advised she believed the male was referring to the young girl outside with Ms. [REDACTED].
Ms. [VICTIM #1] advised she went to get the item the male wanted so she could get him out of the store quickly. She advised when she walked around from behind the counter, the suspect immediately followed her to the front corner of the store and positioned himself where Ms. [VICTIM #1] could not get out of the corner. Ms. [VICTIM #1] advised the suspect touched her breast over her clothes and ran his hand down her right side and down the side of her buttock while he touched the crotch area of his pants. Ms. [VICTIM #1] advised she was so traumatized she immediately froze and could not move or speak.
Ms. [VICTIM #1] advised after touching her, the suspect stated, “I better leave before I get myself in trouble” and left Smoke City with the child. She advised the male had paid cash, but did not take the merchandise he requested. Ms. [VICTIM #1] advised her mother picked her up from the store shortly after the incident.
The entire incident was captured on Smoke City’s interior security cameras. Smoke City employee, [REDACTED], provided me with a USB containing the security footage of the incident. I also provided Mr. [REDACTED] with a citizens link through Axon Capture to upload the footage.
I walked over to the Studio 6 (60 W Montgomery Cross Rd) and made contact with a Studio 6 employee, [REDACTED]. Ms. [REDACTED] advised an older black male and a young girl with pink or purple braids had checked room #[REDACTED] on December 18, 2022. She provided me a print out of the reservation. The room was booked under the name, Atiim Johnson, for one adult and one child for three nights. Through a search of NCIC/GCIC and Phoenix, I located booking photos and identified Atiim Johnson as the same suspect from the security footage at Smoke City.
I attempted to make contact with Mr. Johnson at #[REDACTED], but no one answered the door.
A CRN was issued. A supervisor responded to the scene.
[End of Narrative]
