2 shot in separate robbery attempts

Published 12:00 am Saturday, May 14, 2016

LPD investigators search for suspects

By Melanie Ruberti

mruberti@civitasmedia.com

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LaGRANGE — Two men were shot Saturday in two separate armed robbery attempts a few hours apart.

One of the victims told LaGrange police investigators he was walking in the 1400 block of Park Avenue about 12:45 a.m. Saturday when he was approached by six unidentified African-American males.

The victim told officers one of the males pointed a gun at him and demanded money. They struggled over the weapon and the victim turned to run from the suspects.

One of the robbers fire several shots at him, hitting him at least once in the back, he told police.

The victim was taken to Columbus Medical Center for treatment.

In the second incident, LaGrange police are still searching for the six suspects and another man who allegedly shot a driver he flagged down in the 600 block of Murphy Avenue just after 7 p.m. Friday.

The victim told officers he did not know the man’s name, but was familiar with him.

He stated the man asked to borrow $20 from him.

As he attempted to loan him the cash, the suspect allegedly brandished a gun and demanded all of his money. He told officers they struggled and the weapon fired , striking him in the right leg.

The suspect ran from the scene.

The victim was treated at WellStar West Georgia Medical Center and later released, Investigators said.

The victim described the suspect as an African-American male with a thin build between the ages of 16 and 18 years old. He said the gunman was wearing a white tank top, black pants, a black hat and black “Jordan” tennis shoes.

Police are asking anyone with information to contact the LaGrange Police Department at 706- 883-2603 or Troup County Crime Stoppers at 706-812-1000.

Melanie Ruberti is a reporter with LaGrange Daily News. She can be reached at 706-884-7311, ext. 2156.