A tense situation unfolded outside a Tennessee store as bystanders rallied to thwart alleged burglars until police could arrive. Here’s the unfolding story:
At Tanger Outlets in Nashville’s Antioch area, witnesses spotted four individuals, donned in hoodies and medical masks, trapped inside a Perfumania store. Acting swiftly, bystanders stationed themselves outside, holding the front door firmly shut to prevent the suspects from fleeing.
Video footage captured by onlookers depicts the alleged burglars trying to force open the back door using a stepladder in a desperate bid for escape. When this failed, they resorted to attempting to breach the wall adjacent to the back entrance.
Despite the determined efforts of the bystanders, the suspects managed to slip out the back of the store before law enforcement could arrive. Witnesses recounted the chaos within the store, detailing the suspects’ frenzied attempts to loot the premises, including tampering with the cash register and attempting to pilfer merchandise.
Security staff at the mall informed witnesses that the suspects made a getaway by scaling a fence and bolting toward Interstate 24.
The incident underscores the frustration felt by local residents regarding such criminal activities, with witness Preston expressing dismay over their frequency.
While the alleged burglars evaded capture on this occasion, the swift response of the bystanders underscores the vital role of community vigilance in combating crime.