Posted on 01/11/2010 11:13:15 PM PST by Jet Jaguar
A 59-year-old convenience store owner was shot in the arm Friday night during an armed robbery, and the suspects are on the loose.
A report shows police responded about 10:21 p.m. to Dev's One Stop at 2041 U.S. 521 — also known as Thomas Sumter Highway — in reference to a 911 call of shots fired during an armed robbery. The store's owner, Kanu Patel, told officers two black men in dark clothes and ski masks entered the store and robbed him at gunpoint, then fled across the street toward a car wash. A 22-year-old man in the store said the gunmen were skinny and probably in their late teens or early 20s.
Sumter County Sheriff Anthony Dennis said Saturday that during the robbery, Patel got into an altercation with one of the men and was shot in the lower right arm during the struggle by the other man. Several shots were fired, Dennis said, and an undisclosed amount of money was taken. He also said K-9 tracking units were used but did not locate the robbers. Patel was taken by Emergency Medical Services to Tuomey Regional Medical Center and was treated and released.
Patel said Saturday he's been robbed three times in the 19 years he's owned the store, and his wound was still painful. He said he was handling a customer when he looked through the window and saw "two boys dressed like thieves" rapidly approaching the store.
When one of the gunmen went behind the counter, Patel said he was pulled down by his shoulders, which "dropped me in the store," while the other man started firing shots. He said his attention was diverted because he fell down and was trying to get back up with the aid of a chair.
Patel said the witness had asked for permission to wait inside while his mother brought a back-up set of car keys because his keys were mistakenly locked in his car. Patel said the robbers got two bags of money and checks.
"I'm sorry I could not protect myself," he said and bemoaned law enforcement's inability to protect his store.
Asked if he would start bringing a gun to the store, Patel said that is "a personal matter."
The report says the customer who witnessed the robbery said both gunmen were wearing gloves and told officers three to four shots were fired. No description of a getaway car — if one was used — was given.
If anyone has any information on this robbery, please contact the Sumter County Sheriff's Office at (803) 436-2700 or Crime Stoppers at (803) 436-2718. Callers may remain anonymous and may be eligible for a reward.
Ping.
3 times? He is a slow learner!
Yep.
I’ve seen dummies actually process a bank deposit right out in plain sight It’s like putting blood in the water!
What City,State?
Local news means nothing without at least State!
Sumter, SC.
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