What started as a terrifying stickup at a South Memphis Walgreens ended in an empty-handed getaway, after a would-be robber discovered the register he was threatening a cashier over did not have any cash inside.
Last Tuesday, around 9 p.m., a man walked up to the register at the Walgreens in the 4100 block of South Third Street, pointed a black handgun at the cashier, and ordered her to hand over the money, police said. He reportedly counted down from five while threatening the employee, then took off with nothing when she showed him the till was empty. No arrest has been reported as officers continue searching for the suspect.
Surveillance captured the tense standoff
According to Action News 5, Memphis police say store cameras recorded the encounter, including the moment the man pointed the handgun and demanded, “Give me everything, right now, you got 5 seconds.” Officers responded to the scene after the attempted robbery and reported that the suspect ran northbound from the business. Investigators are reviewing the surveillance footage as they work to identify him.
Empty register sends gunman packing
As AOL reports, the cashier tried to defuse the situation by opening the cash drawer and showing the man that there was no money inside. With nothing to grab, he left the store without taking anything. The employee’s condition was not detailed in initial reports, and police have not announced any immediate suspects. Officials are asking anyone with information, including possible doorbell or dash-camera video, to come forward.
Police are asking the public for tips
Memphis police are urging anyone who knows anything about the attempted robbery to contact CrimeStoppers at 901-528-CASH, per Action News 5. Detectives say the in-store surveillance could provide key leads, and they are also checking nearby cameras to see if other angles caught the suspect coming or going. Tips can be submitted anonymously and may qualify for a reward through CrimeStoppers.
Attempted heist fits pattern at local pharmacies
Walgreens and other pharmacies have been targeted in a string of armed robberies across Memphis in recent months, a trend documented last winter in a report on a string of armed robberies. Police and store managers say the incidents highlight ongoing risks for retail employees and the challenges of preventing repeat offenses. For now, investigators are asking residents and drivers in the area to review any home or vehicle camera footage from last Tuesday night that might help identify the Walgreens suspect.
