By By Sheila Blackmon/The Meridian Star
June 23, 2001
Meridian police officers are investigating an armed robbery at Ryan's Steak House that occurred in the early morning hours Friday not quite nine hours after a Dixie Pak-a-Sak was robbed.
Lt. Wade Johnson of the Meridian Police Department said officers responded to the call at 12:18 a.m.
The robbery occurred as two employees were leaving the restaurant at 207 South Frontage Road.
The men forced the employees back into the restaurant. Once inside, they demanded money. They were armed with a handgun and a long gun, Johnson said, though authorities don't know if the long gun was a rifle or a shotgun.
After taking an undisclosed amount of money, the suspects fled on foot. Johnson said no one was injured during the robbery. The employees called police immediately after the men left.
One suspect is described as a black man with a light complexion and long hair. He is 5 feet 10 inches tall and weighs at least 300 pounds. He wore a red bandana draped across his face and a light blue shirt.
The other is described as black man with a dark complexion. He is 5 feet 7 inches tall, and has short hair. He weighs about 110 pounds and wore a blue bandana across his face, a blue T-shirt, blue jeans, dark gloves and white tennis shoes.
Johnson said this is the first such incident reported in the South Frontage Road area for some time.
Investigators also continue to search for leads in a Thursday afternoon armed robbery at Dixie Pak-a-Sak at 2400 Grandview Ave. The robbery occurred about 3:30 p.m. when a tall, slender black man entered the store and demanded money. Police officials said a possible accomplice waited outside.
Anyone with information about these robberies can call the Meridian Police Department at 485-1859 or CrimeStoppers at 485-1860.
Sheila Blackmon is a staff writer for The Meridian Star. Call her at 693-1551, ext. 3275, or e-mail her at sblackmon@themeridianstar.com.