A confrontation over a six-pack of Coca-Cola turned violent outside a McMinnville Dollar General on Saturday when the store manager was struck by a vehicle as a suspected shoplifter sped away, according to deputies.
The Warren County Sheriff's Department says the suspect grabbed the drinks and took off in a gold Jeep heading outbound on Smithville Highway, leaving the manager injured in the parking lot. Investigators later released photos and a description of a white male wanted in the case and are now asking for the public's help to track him down.
Where It Happened
The incident unfolded at the Dollar General located at 4763 Smithville Highway in McMinnville, according to Dollar General. The store listing confirms the address for the Smithville Highway location and shows the chain's local store information.
What The Sheriff Posted
In a statement posted on social media, the Warren County Sheriff's Department said deputies responded Saturday after a report that a store employee had been struck by a vehicle outside the Dollar General. The department identified the manager as Brent Clarida and reported that the suspect allegedly stole a six-pack of Coca-Cola, then hit Clarida with a gold Jeep before fleeing outbound on Smithville Highway.
The post described the suspect as a white male and included photos released to help with identification. Investigators are urging anyone who recognizes the man or the vehicle to speak up. The department asked anyone with information to contact Investigator Spencer Pryor at (931) 473-7864, according to the Warren County Sheriff's Department.
Investigators And Community Tips
Investigator Spencer Pryor has been the public contact on several recent Warren County cases, and deputies regularly turn to the department's Facebook page to crowdsource leads from the community. WSMV and other area outlets have previously linked Pryor to investigations in which the sheriff's office relies on tip lines and social media posts to move cases forward.
How To Help
The sheriff's office has not announced any charges or arrests in connection with the incident, and deputies say the investigation is ongoing. Anyone with photos, video or information related to the suspect or the gold Jeep is asked to call Investigator Spencer Pryor at the number listed in the department's post or contact the Warren County Sheriff's Office with tips.
