Woman allegedly robbed at local restaurant

The Sevierville Police Department (SPD) responded to a reported robbery outside the Olive Garden restaurant, 1570 Parkway, at about 5:45PM Wednesday, June 28, 2006. According to SPD Officer John West, two women were reportedly getting out of their car in the Olive Garden parking lot. One woman, aged 68, was holding the other woman’s (65-years old) purse as she helped her get out of the vehicle. A man allegedly approached the women and attempted to take the purse from the 68-year old woman. She struggled with the suspect for about 15 feet, as he pulled the purse and the woman. She eventually fell and the suspect ran off with the purse. As the suspect ran towards Red Lobster restaurant (south), he was joined by another male. Witnesses reported that the two men ran west down New Era Road and left in a white vehicle, possibly a Geo Tracker or similar vehicle. The 68-year old woman was transported to Fort Sanders Sevier Medical Center by the Sevier County Ambulance Service with abrasions from the struggle. The suspect who allegedly stole the purse was described as a white male in his 20’s, about 5’6” tall weighing 140 lbs. He had short brown hair and was clean-shaven and well groomed. He was wearing a light colored baseball hat, a gray windbreaker with a white shirt underneath, and tan colored Bermuda style shorts. Anyone with information regarding this incident is requested to call Detective Sgt. Doug Shanks @ 453-5506.