UPDATE:
Four people are in custody after being connected to the recent robberies targeting women in South Nashville. Metro police said a tip led them to find the suspects.
In a release, detectives said they followed a tip which led them to a car involved in the crimes near Metroplex Drive in South Nashville. Police spotted 35-year-old Michael Harris and 32-year-old Aubrey Whitworth who matched the suspect descriptions.
Detectives launched the MNPD helicopter and officers on the ground followed the pair to conduct a traffic spot to pull them over on I-24. Harris stopped to let out Whitworth, who then fled on foot and was eventually arrested. Harris drove into Rutherford County and with the help of their Sheirff's Office was also arrested.
Police found a loaded firearms on both, along with credit cards that weren't theirs.
Metro police then arrested 27-year-old Tatiana Barton and 54-year-old Ronald Thomas Junior, who were also seen around the car involved in the robberies.
ORIGINAL:
Metro police are investigating a string of violent robberies targeting women in south Nashville, including a Sunday afternoon attack at the Family Dollar on Nolensville Pike.
The incidents — all within a short distance of each other — has the community on edge. Victims, ranging in age from 27 to 67, were approached by a man and a woman who stole their purses, often using violence.
David Chambers is a frequent shopper at the Family Dollar. He said unfortunately these crimes are not surprising.
"When I was in the store, somebody — two or three ladies — came in and snatched all the clothes and left like they’re going to church," Chambers said. "I always have to watch people. They’re looking for targets like me, so I have to be careful at all times."
Sunday’s attack happened at 3 p.m. when a 62-year-old woman was loading items into her car. A man exited a white sedan and grabbed her. Police said they struggled before the suspect got her purse, causing the victim to fall and hit her head on the pavement. She was treated at the hospital.
MNPD Crime Prevention Officer Michelle Norris urged the public to remain vigilant, especially during the holiday season.
"A lot of times if you’re walking around and looking at your cellphone instead of your surroundings, it makes you an even bigger target," Norris said.
Norris advised that if confronted, victims should just hand over their purses or wallets.
"You don’t know what that person is capable of," Officer Norris said. "I would rather have you alive than not over a purse or something you can easily replace."
Police are asking for the public’s help in identifying the suspects, who may be traveling in an older white sedan.
Anyone with information is encouraged to call Crime Stoppers at 615-742-7463. Callers can remain anonymous and may qualify for a cash reward.
Other crimes possibly connected
Detectives believe this attack is connected to three other robberies:
November 28, 6:40 a.m. A 27-year-old woman was leaving to go to the store from her Packard Drive apartment when a man, armed with a handgun, and a woman ran up to her and demanded her purse. She complied. The victim’s 8-year-old daughter who was with her, ran to their apartment.
November 26, 7:40 p.m. A 55-year-old woman was getting out of her vehicle at her apartment in the 5100 block of Greenleaf Drive when a man and woman ran up behind her and assaulted her with a metal object, severely beating the woman before taking her purse. She was transported to Vanderbilt University Medical Center with a severe laceration to her head.
November 15, 12:45 p.m. A 67-year-old woman had just returned to her Tusculum Road home and was unloading groceries from her vehicle when a woman approached her and asked her for money. When the victim turned away, the suspect pushed her and took her purse. The victim was not injured.
Do you have more information about this story? You can email me at aaron.cantrell@newschannel5.com
This story by Aaron Cantrell reminds me of my first school in Dyersburg, TN. I was a student at Bruce School from Kindergarten to second grade until the school system was integrated. My parents graduated from this K-12 school in 1960 in one of the city's African American communities. After sitting empty for several years, part of the school was demolished while the rest was renovated and now serves as a community center for the Bruce community in Dyersburg. A local pastor is now trying to do something similar in the Cemetery community in Rutherford Co.
-Lelan Statom
