ATLANTA — Police in Atlanta and Hapeville are searching for two suspects they say robbed a patron at a local brewery and then attacked a renowned rapper and co-owner of the brewery before kidnapping and shooting him.
Atlanta officers said they were initially called to reports of a robbery Wednesday night outside the Atlantucky Brewery on Northside Drive. The brewery is owned by members of Grammy-nominated hip hop group Nappy Roots.
The patron said he and the businesses owner had been robbed inside of a nearby parking deck before running to safety and calling for police. The patron, only identified as a 45-year-old man, said both victims were walking to the parking deck when two men approached and robbed them at gunpoint.
Police learned the second victim, the business owner, was beaten up and forced into his own vehicle.
Rhythm Communications confirmed the kidnapping victim was Nappy Roots rapper Scales, whose real name is Melvin Adams.
Police say that after Adams was forced into his car, the suspects sped off with him inside and began driving toward the rapper’s home in Hapeville. Once they got to Hapeville, Adams tried to run and was shot in the leg by one of the suspects. The suspects sped away from the scene.
Adams went to get help at a nearby home and called police. He was taken to the hospital with non-life-threatening injuries.
Fellow Nappy Roots member and Atlantucky co-owner Skinny (William Hughes) said Scales is recovering.
“I am certainly relieved that my business partner and brother Scales is safe and recovering…that is what is most important,” Hughes said in a statement. “We would appreciate it if the public would allow us some privacy over the next week while we re-evaluate the situation, as this is an ongoing investigation. I assure you that we will share the outcomes, as the police department allows. But know for now that Scales is safe and recovering.”
Adams’ white Mercedes-Benz SUV was recovered in Hapeville. Hapeville police currently have the SUV, but will be turning it over to Atlanta police so it can be searched for evidence.
Detectives have not released any details on possible suspects.
Atlantucky Brewing is one of just a handful of Black-owned breweries in the nation, and is owned by multi-platinum hip-hop group Nappy Roots.
The group formed while members attended Western Kentucky University. Adams is originally from Milledgeville.
This is the only incident that has happened at the brewery since it opened. Representatives said the team will be increasing security at the brewery to ensure the safety of customers and employees.
©2022 Cox Media Group
