Atlanta police seek suspect after pizza theft and shove at Martin Luther King Jr. Drive restaurant

Robbery unit asks public for help identifying man captured in surveillance images

Atlanta police are asking for the public’s assistance in identifying a man suspected of stealing a pizza from an Atlanta restaurant and pushing an employee who tried to stop him.

The incident was reported in southwest Atlanta in the city’s Zone 1, where officers responded to a robbery call at 2457 Martin Luther King Jr. Drive SW. Police said the report was made on a Wednesday, and investigators later circulated surveillance video and still images tied to the case.

In the footage, the suspect is seen moving behind the counter, taking a pizza, and shoving an employee who attempted to intervene as he left.

The case is being handled by the Atlanta Police Department’s Robbery Unit, reflecting the department’s classification of the event. While the item taken appears to have been of low monetary value, the reported physical contact with an employee elevates the incident beyond a simple shoplifting allegation and into an encounter involving force, which can influence how cases are investigated and charged.

What police have released and what remains unknown

Authorities have made public images and video of the suspect, a step typically taken when investigators believe community tips could help confirm a name, locate a person, or connect an individual to a known address or vehicle. As of Friday, Feb. 13, 2026, police had not publicly announced an arrest or identified the suspect.

Police have not released additional details about the business beyond the address, nor have they provided information about injuries, if any, resulting from the shove. No weapon was reported in the information released, and investigators have not said whether the suspect is believed to be connected to other incidents.

How to submit tips

Investigators are directing anyone who recognizes the suspect or has relevant information to submit a tip through Crime Stoppers Atlanta. Police said tips can be provided anonymously. A reward of up to $5,000 has been publicized for information leading to an arrest and indictment.

• Crime Stoppers tip line: 404-577-TIPS (8477)
• Online submission is available through Crime Stoppers Atlanta’s official reporting form

The investigation remains active.