A strong-arm robbery suspect is in custody while the search continues for two others that opened fire during a robbery or Margarita’s Pizza on East 79th Street. The three criminals broke in to the restaurant through a back door at around 12:30 am on Thanksgiving. A scuffle broke out, allegedly between employees and the robbers. Four employees were shot, and a fifth person was beaten.
The injuries were not life-threatening; a man and woman were shot in their sides, another man in the shoulder, while the fourth victim was shot in the chin. The beaten man did not need to go to the hospital.
The police were able to arrest one of the gunmen, arriving before the man was able to flee. Two other men fled and were not apprehended. The police are certain that they will catch the final two suspects.
Mark Smith, of South Greenwood, was charged in court today with aggravated robbery with a firearm and robbery.
