Four men armed with knives and machetes pulled off a major robbery from a store in Big Falls Village on Friday afternoon, running off with $18,000 in cash and 2 shotguns - but they didn't get far. The robbery occurred around 1 pm. That's when the store's owner 42-year-old Amelia Johnson says that a white vehicle with four male person parked in front of her store. She says three of the men came into the store armed with knives and machetes. She says they assaulted her and ransacked the store, leaving with money and two shotguns. Though hurt, Johnson called police.
Independence police set up a checkpoint near Bladen Village which is when they saw a white vehicle matching the description given by Amelia Johnson. But as soon as they spotted police, the driver ran the vehicle off the road and three of the occupants exited and fled into the bushes. Police detained the robber who didn't flee and pursued the other the three. Police cornered two out of those who they say refused to surrender.
Officers fired several shots, injuring one in the leg and the other in the abdomen. The injured men were transported to the Southern Regional Hospital where they are under police guard. Police meanwhile recovered $18,000 in cash and the two shotguns. Police are seeking the fourth suspect.
