Yesterday morning, an East Memphis cell phone store became the latest victim of a smash-and-grab burglary when suspects used a vehicle to ram into the storefront. Digital Wireless on Park Avenue, according to Memphis Police Department reports, suffered significant damage from the incident, which resulted in the theft of cell phones and other merchandise.
After receiving an alarm notification related to a break-in at approximately 4:46 a.m., MPD officers arrived at the scene to find the front door of the business damaged, with several shattered and empty glass cabinets inside. Upon reviewing surveillance footage, it became clear that a silver Hyundai Elantra had reversed into the store front multiple times before breaking through just after 2:30 in the morning, as FOX13 reported.
Two males were then seen exiting the vehicle, one carrying a hammer and the other brandishing a firearm. Reports indicate that they took off with several smartphones, fleeing the scene before a silver sedan parked across the street. In less than an hour's span, two additional suspects returned to the store and continued the looting before shutting off the surveillance cameras, as noted in Action News 5.
Describing the extent of the damage and theft to WREG, the business owner lamented, "Like $30-40,000 worth of damage." He added that not only phones but also gaming systems were stolen. The absence of immediate police response was confirmed when he said, "I come in at about four o'clock here to the store. I’m not seeing no police, just only the police for the college police." MPD explained their delayed arrival, stating other crimes, including shootings, occupied their resources at the time.
At present, the MPD has yet to report any arrests in connection with the burglary. The public is urged to come forward with any information, and anyone with knowledge of the incident can anonymously contact Crime Stoppers at 901-528-CASH, as WREG published.
