$1,000 reward offered for info after multiple people beaten, robbed inside Grundy County restaurant

GRUNDY COUNTY, Tenn. (WKRN) — Grundy County authorities are turning to the community for help tracking down two suspects accused of stealing thousands of dollars’ worth of items from a group of people during a violent armed robbery in a restaurant Friday night.

According to the Grundy County Sheriff’s Office , the 911 center got a call around 9:30 p.m. on Friday, July 19 about a possibly injured person at the Miso Hungry Restaurant, but due to a “significant language barrier,” dispatch only thought a medic was needed.

When Grundy EMS got to the scene, they found seven people laying in a closet, appearing distressed, and asked for assistance, officials said. The Grundy County Emergency Management Agency (EMA) arrived shortly afterward. Then, after emergency personnel realized the victims had reportedly been robbed and beaten, the sheriff’s office responded to the scene.

Deputies and investigators noticed a total of seven individuals were inside the restaurant, cleaning and renovating. Authorities said they obtained a description of the suspects — who were believed to be on foot — and began an extensive search.

Through translation, law enforcement said they learned two males entered the back of the restaurant, forcing the victims inside into a small closet area at gunpoint. Some individuals reported feeling a sharp pain in their back that could have been from a knife used by one of the suspects to force them into the closet.

Once inside the room, the people were beaten and robbed of their jewelry, wallets, cash, and anything else they had with them, the sheriff’s office said. Approximately $1,500 in cash was taken, along with $5,000 to $7,000 worth of jewelry and debit cards.

According to officials, the victims said the suspects also cursed at them and yelled, “Get back to your own country.”

Four of the individuals were brought to the emergency room with minor injuries following the incident, authorities said.

The sheriff’s office said the suspects were described as roughly 6 feet tall, one with a slender build and the other with a somewhat heavy-set build. They were both reportedly wearing black ski masks, black long-sleeved shirts, blue jeans, black shoes, and black gloves. In addition, the gun was identified as a possible black semi-automatic pistol.

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Shortly before 1 p.m. on Saturday, July 20, officials announced both suspects were still at large. However, the victims’ family members are offering a $1,000 cash reward for information that leads to an arrest.

Meanwhile, authorities noted there was a break-in at the Palmer Community Center and a 2007 white GMC single-cab truck with plate number 40727CP was stolen on the same night. While that incident is not confirmed to be connected to the robbery, investigators said they haven’t ruled it out.

If you have any information about Friday’s armed robbery at Miso Hungry Restaurant or possible suspects, you are asked to contact Investigator Avery McGinness by calling 931-383-0770 or emailing amcginness@gc-sheriff.com .

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