CARNESVILLE — The Franklin County Sheriff’s Office is seeking the public’s help identifying and locating two men who robbed a Carnesville convenience store and shot an individual early Saturday.
The armed robbery occurred about 3 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 22, at Flying J Travel Plaza at 10226 Old Federal Road (Ga. 51), Carnesville. The store/truck stop is located at Exit 160 off Interstate 85
Franklin County Sheriff’s Office officials say two armed black males entered the store, armed with firearms. One suspect fired two rounds inside the business.
A customer was shot at close range in the upper chest, according to the sheriff’s office. That individual was treated by Franklin County Emergency Medical Services, then transported to an Athens hospital for treatment of life-threatening injuries. At last report the victim was listed in stable condition.
Sheriff’s office officials said the victim, who is not being identified, is a commercial truck driver from Florida who had entered the building after diesel refueling.
The on-duty clerks were not injured in the incident.
“The suspects demanded and took currency from the store registers and then fled on foot,” according to a statement from the Franklin County Sheriff’s Office Criminal Investigation Division released Sunday.
Witnesses reported seeing a tan or grey full-sized sport utility vehicle leaving the parking lot across the street. That vehicle entered I-85 on the southbound entrance ramp.
“The patron/customer offered no resistance, nor posed any threats to the armed intruders,” according to the sheriff’s office statement. “Authorities were able to review the surveillance video of the business and it was determined that the patron was intentionally and randomly shot by one of the armed robbers.”
The first suspect is described as a small-build black male, possibly in his early teens. At the time of the incident he was wearing a grey/black hoodie with the word “LOVE” across the front and the word “LOVE” on the right arm of the hoodie. He also was wearing blue jeans, red shoes, and a blue bandana.
That individual, who was carrying a black revolver, has been identified as the suspect that fired two rounds, according to sheriff’s officials.
The second suspect is described as a heavy-build black male wearing red pants, a black hoodie, blue bandana, black shoes and red underwear. He was carrying a stainless/chrome revolved.
The vehicle is described as a tan or light grey SUV, believed to be a 2007 or newer Chevrolet Tahoe or Suburban. After entering I-85 southbound, its location is unknown.
Anyone with information about the individuals or vehicle involved is asked to call the Franklin County Sheriff’s Office at (706) 384-2525 or contact their local 9-1-1.
