Tribune Staff Reports
Authorities are investigating the overnight robberies and shooting incident that took place in the Clay area.
According to Jefferson County Sheriff’s Department, a man wearing a Halloween mask resembling a devil’s face went to the Winn-Dixie located at 2402 Old Springville Road late last night, armed with a rifle about 10:45 p.m.
“The suspect walked to register, pointed the gun at the clerk and demanded money,” Sergeant Jack Self said. “The clerk gave the money to the suspect who then fled on foot.”
No one was injured in that incident, Chief Deputy Randy Christian said.
The masked man sought by Jefferson County sheriff’s deputies in last night’s grocery store robbery is believed to have shot someone in a convenience store robbery about 40 minutes later.
Authorities said a man wearing a mask, armed with a rifle, possibly a shotgun, robbed Rogers Convenience Store in 6700 block of Old Springville Road at about 11:22 p.m.
In this incident, the masked man fled on foot after the store clerk surrendered to his demands for money.
Deputies were advised that one person had been shot during the second robbery. They arrived to find the shooting victim “laying in front of the door” Self said. ” He appeared to have been shot.”
The victim in the shooting allegedly chased the robber across Clay-Palmerdale Road, when the suspect allegedly shot the victim in the stomach area. Reports indicate the victim was able to return Rogers Convenience Store.
“The victim had been a customer in the store and had attempted to chase the suspect as he fled,” Self said. “He was shot and came back to the store for help.”
Police said the victim was taken to UAB Hospital. His condition is unknown at this time
.
Deputies are looking for a white van that they think may have been used as a getaway vehicle.
Rogers was one of two Clay business that was robbed Friday night, police believed the same person is responsible. Investigations are underway. photo by Scott Buttram
