WKRN, Nashville, Tennessee News, Weather, and Sports |Robbery victim fires several shots to defend himself
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NASHVILLE, Tenn. - Police in Nashville are searching for the thief who robbed a west Nashville cellular store and then fled as one of his victim's fired several shots to defend himself.
Metro officers on the scene said the suspect entered the Verizon Wireless store located at 25 White Bridge Road, across the street from Calhoun's restaurant, Monday afternoon.
The suspect's face was completely covered and he was carrying a gun when he entered the store, officers said.
Authorities said the man held up five store employees and two customers inside, and when he came out into the parking lot, he held up a third customer.
He didn't realize that customer also had a gun. Police said the customer pulled a handgun and fired several shots at the robber.
A News 2 crew on the scene said four shots were fired in the parking lot as the suspect was fleeing.
No one was struck.
The customer missed his attacker but possibly hit the getaway car, 2005 or 2006 silver Ford Escape SUV.
Investigators said the victim did have a handgun carry permit and according to police, was within his rights to pull his gun in self defense.
Shoppers in the area were surprised to learn of the attack.
Kevin Giles said, "Everyone has a right to carry guns, but when a situation like that occurs, I'd be for it, because there's an appropriate place to have a gun."
Where it's appropriate to have a gun has been a hot topic for lawmakers in recent weeks.
The legislature recently approved a bill that will allow handguns in restaurants that serve alcohol, as long as the person has a carry permit.
Mitch Shelton does not support the legislation.
"You're at a family restaurant... No guns should be allowed in a place like that, no way, shape or form," he told News 2.
When it comes to self-defense, Giles said it's a different issue.
"That's a horse of a different color. When it's defense, that's a different story," he said. "You pick and choose where you go. Hopefully it's a safe place."
The suspect remained at large Monday night.
An investigation is underway.
Anyone with information is urged to call Crime Stoppers at 74-CRIME.
