Update: Surveillance video released from one of three armed robberies

[Guest mikedwood]

Please watch this Surveillance video from a recent robbery in Knoxville and ... you just gotta see it.

http://www.wbir.com/news/local/story.aspx?storyid=65458&catid=2

Pay close attention to the money.

Three armed robberies occurred late Wednesday night and are being investigated by the Knox County Sheriff's Office.

The Mr. Gas at 13065 Kingston Pike was the first business to be robbed. The suspect entered the business around 10:14 and pointed a small, black handgun at the employees. He told them, "It isn't worth dying for and give me the money."

The employees handed over several hundred dollars.

He was described as a 18 to 25-year-old white male wearing a dark shirt, blue jeans, dark hat, and what appeared to be a black shirt wrapped around his face. He left the business running in an eastbound direction.

Police believe the same suspect held up the Weigels at 1000 N. Cedar Bluff Road at 11:04. The clerk said the suspect approached the counter, pulled out a black handgun, and demanded all the money.

According to the clerk, the gunman said he would "blow her head off" if she didn't hand over the money. She opened the register, and the suspect grabbed the cash. He also took money from a box under the counter.

This man may also be responsible for holding up the Shell Station in Loudon on Wednesday, detectives said.

On the same night, a different suspect robbed the Ingles at 11917 Kingston Pike at 11:05. The suspect went to the customer service desk and pointed a silver, semi-automatic handgun at the manager and another employee. He demanded money and emptied the cash drawer.

He was wearing a dark blue ski mask over his face, gloves, green army-type jacket, cargo pants, black work boots, and dark tinted goggles.

[ShaunM]

Looks like they could have grabbed the gun.

[Builder Bob]

I thought the same thing when watching the video.

[musicman]

"...and while he was stuffing the money in his pants, the clerk pulled out his concealed S&W M&P 40 and put four shots into his torso, immobilizing the armed man and stopping the threat. The clerk then went and retrieved the thief's gun while another employee called 911 for an ambulance."

oh... sorry, daydreaming again about how this story would have gone if there were more responsible armed citizens out there.

back to reality "... the suspect got away and is still at large with over $1,000 of money that will now need to be replaced by increased prices for the rest of the honest folks who patronize stores like these."

[Guest JLowe]

Looks like they could have grabbed the gun.

and could have been shot in the process. its a bad idea for those who have no training to attempt such things. its better for them to co-operate and give the turd the money and be the best witness they can. there is no need for someone to get wounded or killed for what is not theirs and what is insured.

Pick your spots to start your fights, do not let them be chosen for you. Unknown

[I_Like_Pie]

Wonder how a prosecutor/DA would approach if the owner shot the robber while the gun was sitting on the counter like that?

I know that the adrenaline was flowing on both sides, but the "right" person prepared for such an event could have pretty easily filled that robber full of holes if they saw fit.

[Guest canynracer]

they didnt necessarily have to "Grab" the gun per say...how bout knocked it away, or something...but I digress...its easy to play armchair commando...I prolly would have given the money too. Glad it turned out OK and the clerks werent hurt.

[Guest db99wj]

I'm not risking my death for a convience store job. Hell, I would have pointed out that we carry cigs and beer too.

[Guest mikedwood]

I don't know what I would have done. These guys occasionally pull the trigger and kill someone so there are no witnesses.

I am sure I wouldn't be thinking "after this is all over a nice police officer will take a report and maybe even catch him in a week or two."

At which point he will be in a jail two counties away and have 2 or 3 other police departments waiting in line to get him in court for different offences.