Four suspects, armed, enter KFC/Taco Bell at closing time

JONESBORO, Ark. – While restaurant employees at a local KFC/Taco Bell in Jonesboro were trying to close store Monday night, four men with a gun entered the establishment, giving employees the scare of a lifetime.

Police were radioed to be on the lookout for four black males described as having entered and then left KFC/Taco Bell, 2003 West Parker Road in Jonesboro. No property was stolen during the incident but the act was already past the point of felony aggravated robbery.

Accounts from employees inside described what happened to police, with the rear door leading to the trash container unlocked while staff prepared to shut down for the evening. During that time, around 10:30 p.m., two men entered through the door, one wearing a white hoodie with his face covered and both being between 16 and 19 years old from observations.

A suspect pointed the gun at an employee and demanded he walk into the freezer, which he did.

A nearby second employee was then commanded to do the same – but noted the suspect “appeared as scared or more nervous of him.” The suspect was shaking with the gun aimed at the second victim – who told the young criminal he would not go into the freezer.

An older, “more seasoned” accomplice entered the scene, wearing a black hoodie and black bandana, now marking a third suspects entry into the business. The new suspect escalated matters by taking the gun from the nervous suspect and telling the victim, again, to get into the freezer. The man acted as though he would strike the victim, the report said, but the victim stood firm and refused. The victim noticed a fourth man in the door watching the events transpire. Tension mounting, the suspects began to bail out of the business and eventually, the more seasoned crook also decided to leave.

Witnesses told police the four suspects ran from the rear of the restaurant to the Walmart parking lot, getting into a black mid-size passenger car. The witness also observed several rounds being fired from a gun one of the men had.

The report indicated the business owner, Chris Fowler, arrived and indicated an internal investigation would take place. Fowler told police the door being unlocked was a violation of the business policy.

Police are investigating the incident. If you can assist authorities with tips or information, it could be worth money. Call Crimestoppers at 935-STOP to report crime, anonymously if you wish.