Innocent bystander killed after armed robbery at Mt. Juliet restaurant, police say

WILSON COUNTY, Tenn. (WKRN) — Law enforcement in Wilson County are teaming up to investigate after an armed robbery at a restaurant turned deadly overnight.

The Mt. Juliet Police Department said officers were sent to Cedar Creek Marina and Restaurant in the 9100 block of Saundersville Road near midnight to respond to a reported robbery.

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Shortly after the restaurant closed, armed suspects reportedly ambushed staff in the restaurant, assaulted them and forced them to open the cash safe. Officials said the staff was treated and released by medics at the scene.

Authorities said the suspects fled to the parking lot after the robbery, where a 27-year-old man was found unresponsive in his vehicle, suffering from gunshot wounds.

The 27-year-old was an innocent bystander and attempts to save his life were unsuccessful, police said.

Now, the Mt. Juliet Police Department and the Wilson County Sheriff’s Office said they are working together in the investigation since both incidents are connected.

Anyone with information about the crime is urged to call the Mt. Juliet Police Department at 615-754-2550 or the Wilson County Sheriff’s Office Criminal Investigations Division at 615-444-1459 .  Information can also be given anonymously by calling 615-754-TIPS (8477) , or visiting the police department’s website or the sheriff’s office’s website .

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Detectives said they are particularly interested in any reports about a vehicle that someone may have seen driving at a rate of high speed on Saundersville Road or potential suspects in the area.

No other information was immediately released.

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