MEMPHIS, TN (abc24.com) - Memphis police are searching for suspects in a gray Toyota Camry that robbed two people in Midtown at gunpoint in broad daylight.
The first robbery happened at Vinton Avenue and Vinton Square just before 11:30 a.m. on April 3. Police stated the 23-year-old male victim was walking home from work when a gray late model 4-door Toyota Camry with two male suspects inside pulled up to him. Two suspects got out of the car and both pointed silver handguns at the suspect, demanding his wallet, cell phone and keys. The armed suspects then got back in the car and drove off.
The victim, Abe Powell, told abc24.com he was robbed just steps from his front door. "Two guys jumped out of the car pointing guns at me and told me to give them all my stuff and throw it on the ground. I threw it, I didn't know what else to do," he said. "It's very scary, especially when guns are pointed at your face and I could see their faces."
Powell described the suspects as all black males in their early to mid-20's. One suspect was wearing a light colored shirt and a white baseball hat with a purple bill.
The second robbery happened that same day at Peabody Avenue and Rozelle Street around 2:40 p.m. A 17-year-old female victim was walking home when a vehicle matching the description from the earlier robbery pulled in front of her and blocked her way. A male suspect got out of the passenger side armed with a silver handgun and demanded the girl's purse and cell phone. After she handed over the items the suspect got back in the vehicle and the suspects fled the scene.
The victim told police she was two black males, possibly in their mid-20's. The suspect who robbed her is described as having short, curly hair and wearing a black shirt with white writing on the front, and blue jeans.
Investigators believe that the same suspects are responsible for both robberies. Although the area is known to have a lot of pedestrians, Powell said he and his neighbors will be more careful.
"I never thought about it before, never in a million years did I think it would happen, but it did. Now I’m a lot more cautious and try to stay aware of my surroundings."
Anyone with information that could help police catch these suspects is urged to call CrimeStoppers at (901) 528-CASH (2274).
