Around the Region: AK-47 Used in Robbery, Switchblade-Wielding Man Attempts Robbery and Anti-Abortion Bill Advances in Georgia Senate

– Midtown Patch

Two men were robbed at gunpoint early Monday morning after exiting 5 Napkin Burger in Midtown. According to an Atlanta Police report, an AK-47 was pointed at the victims, who were robbed of their wallets among other items.

The victims reported that when they exited the restaurant, a dark colored SUV with a light colored bottom pulled up to them. The driver got out and pointed a pistol at them and said, “gimme all your money” according to the police report. 

When one of the victims asked the suspect if he was serious, another suspect emerged from the vehicle with the AK-47, pointed it at the victims and said, “give it up.” At that time both victims handed over their wallets and one gave up his Metro PCS cellphone.

The suspects then left in the SUV, taking a right on 10th St. No injuries were reported.

– Cartersville Patch

The second park in two months had two nearby schools again on lock down until campus police arrived, then in a "heightened state of alert" as authorities looked for a man with a switchblade knife.

A 25-year-old bicyclist called 911 about 12:30 p.m. Monday from  after a man armed with a switchblade jumped out of the woods along the walking track and demanded the bike and a cell phone.

Authorities searched the park and the schools, but could not find the knife-wielding robber, who the victim said appeared to be on some type of drugs. 

– Suwanee Patch

Legislation that would tighten medical exemptions for terminating a pregnancy in Georgia passed a state Senate committee Monday.

The so-called "fetal pain" bill passed the Senate Health and Human Services Committee on a voice vote, according to the Atlanta Journal-Constitution. The law would require any abortion performed after 20 weeks of pregnancy be done in a way to bring the fetus out alive. The measure says that a fetus can feel pain at 20 weeks, therefore the state has an interest in protecting it.

Also, HB 954 would prescribe criminal penalties of up to 10 years in prison for doctors who do not comply with the legislation.