Christmas Tree Shootout: Police Release Video of Robbery and Shooting in Memphis

Christmas Tree Shootout: Police Release Video of Robbery and Shooting in Memphis
Tom Ozimek
12/21/2017
Updated:
12/21/2017

A colorful Christmas tree is the unwitting backdrop for a Dec. 19 robbery and shootout between two armed suspects and an employee at a pharmacy in Memphis, Tennessee.

The first suspect to enter the scene appears to be brandishing a pistol. (Screenshot via Facebook / Memphis Police Department)
The first suspect to enter the scene appears to be brandishing a pistol. (Screenshot via Facebook / Memphis Police Department)
Police in Memphis published security camera footage of the incident along with a request for help from the public in catching the two suspects in the violent robbery, which took place at The Medicine Shop, located at 930 Estate Drive, Memphis, Tennessee.
 At approximately 9:35 a.m. on Dec. 19, two unidentified males, who appeared to be armed with handguns, entered The Medicine Shop, police said in a statement.
The second suspect to enter the establishment appears to pull out a pistol as he walks towards the counter. (Screenshot via Facebook / Memphis Police Department)
The second suspect to enter the establishment appears to pull out a pistol as he walks towards the counter. (Screenshot via Facebook / Memphis Police Department)

Police describe the first suspect as follows:

Suspect #1—black male, 5 feet 8 inches, white mask, blue Polo hoodie with the number 3 on the right sleeve, blue pants, red and black gloves, and black and white tennis shoes.

Suspect #1. (Screenshot via Facebook / Memphis Police Department)
Suspect #1. (Screenshot via Facebook / Memphis Police Department)

Police describe the second suspect as follows:

Suspect #2—black male, 5 feet 11 inches, black mask, yellow or lime green hoodie, black hat, black pants, one black glove and one blue latex glove, and black shoes.

Suspect #2. (Screenshot via Facebook / Memphis Police Department)
Suspect #2. (Screenshot via Facebook / Memphis Police Department)

The two suspects robbed the business at gunpoint, police said. It is reported a large quantity of prescription medication was taken in the process.

Suspect #1 appears to be holding a green plastic bag, possibly filled with the "large quantity of prescription medication." (Screenshot via Facebook / Memphis Police Department)
Suspect #1 appears to be holding a green plastic bag, possibly filled with the "large quantity of prescription medication." (Screenshot via Facebook / Memphis Police Department)

At one point during the robbery, an exchange of gunfire took place between an employee and one of the suspects. Police say the employee was struck in the leg with a bullet.

The two suspects then fled the scene.

The two suspects flee the scene of the crime. (Screenshot via Facebook / Memphis Police Department)
The two suspects flee the scene of the crime. (Screenshot via Facebook / Memphis Police Department)

The injured employee was taken to a hospital with non-life-threatening injuries.

Police note that the investigation into the incident is ongoing and no arrests have been made yet.

Anyone with information is being urged to call Crime Stoppers at 528-CASH. Police say anyone who calls in a tip will be given a secret ID number to keep their identity “completely anonymous.”

Tips can also be submitted online at 528cash which links to a secure website at Memphis Crimestoppers.

Police say that anyone with information can review wanted fugitives on the website and “safely send investigators” helpful information.

Below is the footage of the incident, published by the Memphis Police Department on Dec. 19.

Tom Ozimek is a senior reporter for The Epoch Times. He has a broad background in journalism, deposit insurance, marketing and communications, and adult education.
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