MEMPHIS, TN (abc24.com) - A clerk at a South Memphis convenience store is behind bars on assault charges, accused of locking up a customer inside the store and pistol-whipping him.
Memphis Police were called to the business, located at South Parkway and Florida Street, on Feb. 26. When they arrived, a man told officers that the clerk, 37-year-old Tilahun Gemeda, had accused him of distracting him while another person stole from the store. According to the police affidavit, the victim stated that Gemeda pulled out a gun and pointed it in his face and forced him to get down on his knees. Gemeda then came around the counter to lock the door, and proceeded to punch and beat the victim in the head with the gun.
When officers arrived on the scene, Gemeda ran back behind the counter and hid the gun before unlocking the door, the document states. Police searched the business and located the gun, which turned out to be stolen from Millington in 2008.
Tilahun Gemeda was arrested and charged with Aggravated Assault and Theft of Property $500 or Less. He is being held at the Shelby County Jail and is scheduled to appear in court on Feb. 28. So far Gemeda's bond has not been set.
