The call came in from the location around 10:30 a.m. Responding officers found one of the suspects wounded at the scene.
Officers said a person at the store saw the crime unfold and shot at the alleged criminals. One of the suspects was struck while the other two fled. The injured man was transported to Regional One Hospital but succumbed to his injuries.
A second robber was quickly apprehended by police but Memphis PD reported the third escaped.
According to Fox 13, the armed civilian was detained and questioned at the scene, but no charges have been filed.
A local business owner, Crystal Blair, told reporters that the incident was tragic. “That’s horrible to hear that someone actually lost their life. But that’s what’s going on in Memphis and we need to take this really seriously.”
Her store is located down the street from the targeted Dollar General and opened just three months ago. Blair reported it has already been broken into twice. “I don’t even stay open after dark anymore. I’m really hoping when the new mayor comes in that he has a plan. Businesses are suffering over here.”
As for Dollar General, some employees have taken the company to task for what they believe is a failure to provide proper security. The company counters that the issue is one that retailers across the board and not just dollar stores are grappling with.
In a statement, the company said that “safety is a top priority…As the retail industry experiences an escalation in violence and crime, we have been working diligently to implement enhanced safety policies, procedures and training to protect our more than 200,000 associates.”
