The manager of the Sonic restaurant in East Ridge struggled with an armed robber around midnight Friday and a shot went off.
At approximately 12 a.m., East Ridge Police responded to the Sonic restaurant at 4348 Ringgold Road. Officers arrived in two minutes and were told by the store manager that two black males entered the business armed with a handgun demanding money.
It was at this time the manager and one of the suspects engaged in a physical altercation. During the struggle for the firearm the suspect fired one round. The bullet was later recovered in a piece of kitchen equipment.
The suspect ultimately dropped the weapon. However, it was picked up by the second suspect. The robbers then ordered the employees onto the ground. They emptied the cash registers before fleeing north on Moore Road in a small blue vehicle.
East Ridge criminal investigators responded to the scene to process evidence and to speak with the victims. One suspect was approximately 5’10” and 260 pounds. The second suspect was 5’6” and 160 pounds.
Anyone with information about this incident is asked to contact the East Ridge Police Department at 423-867-3718. A confidential tip line is also available at 423-867-0016.