Posted on 06/01/2005 8:14:47 AM PDT by Mr. Mojo
Wounded man is dropped off at Memorial; store clerk is unharmed.
Gunfire filled a westside Savannah clothing store Tuesday afternoon as the cashier fired back during what appeared to be an attempted armed robbery, police said.
Just before 1 p.m., three black males walked into Top of the Line Fashions and Accessories at 2903 W. Bay St., Savannah-Chatham Metropolitan Police spokesman Bucky Burnsed said.
The men ordered the cashier to the ground and stole his wallet, according to Joseph W. Woods, who owns Lil Chick at 2901 W. Bay St.
The suspects then started filling bags with clothing and other items, Woods said.
The cashier got up and one of the robbers started shooting, Woods said. Then the cashier fired back.
"The attendant shot back in self defense," Woods said.
Burnsed said he was unsure if the suspects fired at the cashier, but said that one of the three men did have a weapon.
"The clerk apparently fired at the suspects and one was wounded," Burnsed said. "Other than that, I don't know what transpired in the store."
The cashier was not injured, police said.
The three suspects ran out of the store and down Albion Street. They climbed into a rust-colored car and drove off, Burnsed said. Burnsed said he was unsure if the suspects took anything.
A short time later, a rust-colored car pulled up in front of Memorial Health University Medical Center's emergency room and dropped off a man suffering from a gunshot wound, Burnsed said.
The car then drove off.
Police questioned the cashier Tuesday afternoon. No charges were filed.
As of Tuesday afternoon, the wounded robber was still being treated at Memorial's trauma unit, Burnsed said. The other two men were still at large.
Police were unsure of any of the suspects' identities.
The suspects are described as three black males. One has a dark complexion and was wearing a shiny black shirt and long black shorts. Another suspect has dreadlocks and was wearing long red shorts.
The only description for the third suspect was that he had big ears, police said.
Police said they're unsure which suspect is at Memorial.
The cashier was unavailable for comment.
Woods said he would have done exactly the same thing as the cashier: fire back.
In the 30-plus years Woods has owned Lil Chick, he's been the victim of an armed robbery twice. He since has installed security cameras, barbed wire and large gates around the doors of his business. The only contact customers have with employees is through a walk-up window.
Woods also carries a gun at all times, he said.
He wouldn't have to take such measures if there were more police on the westside, Woods said.
Woods said he doesn't want to turn out like the other businesses in the neighborhood.
Church's Fried Chicken closed after manager Sean Abraham was shot and killed during an armed robbery in February 2004.
"This happens all the time over here. This is a regular thing," Woods said. "And only two police officers are assigned to the westside."
Police have at least two beat officers who patrol the neighborhood 24 hours a day, along with periodic visits by walking beat officers and crime suppression units, according to Lt. Carl Ramey of the West Chatham Precinct.
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Maybe they could drop by and check?????
I really regret this. Not that the clerk fired back and wounded one of them, but that the clerk didn't kill all three of them. He needs some time at the firing range IMHO.
I was going to write that he should have wasted all 3 robbers......but that wouldn't have been a waste now would it?
Hearing the sound of a weapon discharged in your general direction from close range will make your ears look big.
I'm happy that the cashier wasn't hurt, but I agree with others that he needs to spend more time at the range.
"The only description for the third suspect was that he had big ears, police said."
Has Will Smith really fallen this far????
Thanks again for the ping!
Oh, the humiliation,the shame. Woe, alas and alack.
I don't ever throw up anymore when I read slanted reporting like this piece of crap. The writer wants to beleive that the clerk came to work to start a gunfight...
Has Will Smith really fallen this far????
No, it was Dumbo with a mask.
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