3 at large following armed robbery in Austin

Published 10:28 am Thursday, September 4, 2014

By Trey Mewes, Austin Daily Herald

AUSTIN — Austin police are looking for three suspects after an armed robbery took place at Hari Food Mart late Tuesday.

Police Chief Brian Krueger said the suspects took off with an undetermined amount of cash from the business, 709 21st St. NE, shortly after 10 p.m. Tuesday. The robbers allegedly entered the store with baseball bats and a large, black gun.

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Two of the robbers struck two employees in their knees with baseball bats and corralled them in a bathroom until the robbery was done, while a third employee, a 58-year-old man, assisted the robbers. Krueger said one of the robbers punched the 58-year-old and split his lip open.

The robbers allegedly wore all black, and witnesses say the suspects wore gloves and hooded sweatshirts cinched tight, as well as sunglasses and other gear to hide their faces. One witness allegedly heard one robber with a male voice, according to Krueger.

The robbers left the store and headed south, Krueger said. A K-9 unit tracked the robbers’ trail to Sixth Avenue Northeast before the trail went cold.

Austin detectives are investigating the case, but Krueger said there are no suspects at this time. Krueger urged anyone with information to contact Austin police at 507-437-9400.

“We want to make sure we get these individuals picked up.”