This just received from Rangemaster in Memphis:
[size=10]Once again, being armed made the difference between being a victim and being the victor!
Jewelry courier in Tenn. shoots attackers in robbery similar to previous diamond thefts
JON GAMBRELL Associated Press Writer
5:16 PM CDT, July 8, 2009
Police say a jewelry courier opened fire on four men trying to rob him in Memphis, Tenn. At least two of the robbers were armed with handguns.
Police say two of the men suffered gunshot wounds during the Wednesday afternoon robbery attempt and were taken to the Regional Medical Center.
The attempted robbery comes a year after masked gunmen and knife-wielding attackers robbed diamond couriers in Arkansas as part of a crime wave across the South. FBI and police suspected the previous thefts could be part of what the bureau refers to as "South American Theft Groups" targeting diamond couriers.
An FBI spokesman tells The Associated Press that those wounded in the Wednesday attack spoke Spanish. The spokesman said FBI agents responded to the scene of the robbery and will assist Memphis police if they request it.
FAST FACTS:
• 4 men stalk jewelry salesman
• Men attempt to rob salesman near Hobson Building in east Memphis
• Two men still on the run, two injured at the MED
(Memphis 7/8/09) A barrage of bullets cut through an east Memphis parking lot around three Wednesday afternoon. When it was over, two would-be jewelry robbers were injured, and two others were running for their lives.
The would-be robbers were hoping to attack a travelling jeweler, but they never got a chance to steal a thing. Instead, he pulled a gun, and sent two to the MED in critical condition. The foiled robbery happened behind the Hobson building on Poplar. Cops say this attempted robbery was well-planned and well-orchestrated. However, what the crooks weren't counting on -- the jeweler was ready.
"They apparently had been stalking him, tracking him and trying to find the right time to jump him," says building manager Joseph Steffner. He says four Hispanic men with guns were stalking the jeweler who had been to other stores across town and had just finished selling to a private jeweler upstairs. A store with exclusive clients and intentionally discreet.
"No retail, no storefronts, there's no advertising, they do it privately so something like this doesn't happen," says Steffner.
Workers inside heard the gunshots, but never expected to see the victim turn the tables on his attackers. The jeweler pulled his gun and fired, hitting both men. Two escaped as their buddies lay moaning from their injuries. The jeweler's companion tells News Channel 3 that he had no idea he was being followed. Clearly, he's a man who is keenly aware of the dangers of his job.
"He's been doing it 22 years. He was attacked 4 years ago, and he does carry jewelry and things in his car, so that's why he keeps a gun," says Steffner.
Police say the jeweler has a gun permit from Alabama, which carries over to Tennessee, so he was legally carrying his weapon. The crooks were last seen going westbound on Poplar in a white Ford Fusion. People out on the scene say they're just glad the good guy got the upper hand, this time.
Copyright © 2009, WREG-TV[/size]
