NOLENSVILLE, Tenn. (WKRN) — While most Tennesseans were hunkering down last weekend following Friday’s snowstorm, several people were out slipping, sliding, smashing, and stealing in Nolensville.
The incident happened around 10:30 p.m. on Saturday, Jan. 11 at at the Exxon convenience store in the 7100 block of Nolensville Road.
Surveillance footage from the store shows a white, four-door Honda Civic with no tag pull up before four men jumped out, including one holding an axe. The Nolensville Police Department (NPD) said he used that axe to break out the glass before the masked men rushed inside.
Cameras inside captured the suspects scattering across the store.
One man started kicking the vape case. He wasn’t carrying a bag, so he loaded his arms with vapes, but he ended up losing as many vapes as he stole. Meanwhile, another individual went to the beer box and took multiple cases of beer, dumping them by the door.
Before leaving, several suspects took turns grabbing — and dropping — vapes on the floor. They also stole Red Bull on the way out the door. Once they exited, the men slipped and slid on the black ice in the parking lot
As the thieves drove off, a Nolensville officer spotted and pursued them. However, the suspects reportedly tossed beer cases out the window, forcing authorities to drive around them. When the Honda Civic drove into other lanes of traffic in the frozen conditions, police ended the chase.
“It did not fit the typical [modus operandi] of the smash-and-grabs that we’re normally investigating…It felt different,” NPD Lt. Josh Combs said.
“It was organized because everybody had a job and they all went to different quadrants, but then they’re dropping stuff, they don’t have bags. I mean, they left as many vapes on the floor, it seems, as they took,” News 2’s Andy Cordan summarized.
“And they’re taking things like Red Bull and beer, which are typically they’re not taking items like that. It’s typically for vapes, cash, and they’re in and out,” Combs added.
“Who throws cases of beer at cops in pursuit?” Cordan asked.
“I don’t know. You typically only see that made up in a movie or something,” Combs replied.
Police said the suspects not only stole $3,000 worth of vapes and $1,100 in cash, but they also caused thousands of dollars in damages.
News 2 also spoke with the store manager, Tony Patel, asking him if he felt violated after the thieves broke in.
“Oh yeah, they broke that door glass,” Patel responded as he pointed to the boarded up door.
“What do you want to say to these bad guys?” Cordan inquired.
Patel laughed before saying, “Speaking bad words, sir.”
Authorities said the Honda Civic used in the incident could be the best clue. If you have any information about Saturday’s smash-and-grab, you’re asked to call the NPD at 615-776-3640.
