A routine Monday evening at a Family Dollar in Memphis’ Crosstown neighborhood turned into a tense holdup on Feb. 25, when two men allegedly tried to roll out with loaded shopping carts and then pulled a gun on a store employee who tried to stop them, police said.
According to officers, the pair filled shopping carts with merchandise, ripped the security bars off the carts, and headed for the store’s back door instead of the front registers. When an employee stepped in to confront them, one of the suspects pulled a handgun and threatened, “Do you want to die over this?” before the two fled with roughly $200 in items.
Police account
Officers said both suspects were dressed in all-black clothing and had taken off before police arrived on the scene, with no arrests made at the time, according to Action News 5. Investigators are asking anyone who might recognize the men, or who saw what happened, to contact CrimeStoppers at 901-528-CASH.
Not the only incident at dollar stores
The Memphis Police Department’s own online crime updates show this was not an isolated case for discount retailers in the city. Recent armed-robbery reports from Family Dollar locations at 2981 Park Avenue and 4082 South Third Street underscore how frequently these chains have been hit.
Local coverage, including a Hoodline report that left the community on edge, has highlighted how these hold-ups land hardest on low-wage workers and the surrounding neighborhoods that rely on the stores.
How to help
Investigators are urging anyone with security footage, cellphone video, photos, or a clear description of the suspects to come forward. Tips can be made anonymously through CrimeStoppers at 901-528-CASH, according to Action News 5. The Memphis Police Department continues to investigate the case.
