SMYRNA, TN - There were two armed robberies in Smyrna on Monday night and police continue to investigate the crimes that occurred less than 45-minutes apart.
One of the robberies took place on Monday night just before 11 at Ed's Bait and Tackle shop on Florence Road (8200 Florence Road).
As the clerk was walking towards the front door to empty the trash, an unknown subject grabbed her from behind and pointed a gun at her back. The masked man then pushed the clerk behind the counter, which was when a second subject joined in on the heist and pointed a gun at the clerk’s head. The two assailants then instructed the clerk to open the cash register.
Shortly after the convenient store was robbed, Smyrna Detectives moved in to collect evidence. When authorities spoke to the victim and reviewed surveillance video footage, it was confirmed that both of the male attackers were wearing masks. It was also determined that they fled the scene in a dark blue compact car.
Scroll down for information on the second robbery...
32-Min. Later, Second Robbery on Monday Night
Just 32 minutes after Ed's Bait and Tackle shop was robbed, Smyrna Police were dispatched to the Donut Palace on South Lowry Street. There, an employee was walking to his car to retrieve a cellphone charger when he was accosted by a man armed with a gun. The victim said that the culprit put a gun to his chest while demanding money and the keys to his car.
According to police, the man who held up a Donut Palace employee had a t-shirt wrapped around his head, covering everything but his eyes. The subject fled the scene in the victims 2018 Honda Civic that was gray in color. The Tennessee tag on the Honda was 8Y03T6.
Smyrna Police believe the armed bandit arrived at Donut Country in a white 4 door sedan. It is not known how many occupants were in that vehicle.
Anyone with information regarding the armed robbery at Ed's Bait and Tackle shop or the armed robbery of a Donut Palace employee are encouraged to call the Smyrna Police Department. Detective Gossett is investigating the two robberies. You can email te Detective at marcy.gossett@townofsmyrna.org or call 615-267-5002.
