Sweeden Z Mart Clerk Discusses Being Robbed At Gunpoint, Assaulted

Z Mart In Sweeden.

"He pulled out a gun and pointed it at me and he said give me all the money."

Darren Doyle, story and photo:
The clerk that opened up the Z Mart convenience store on HWY 259N, formerly Jr. Foods in the Sweeden community, discussed the frightening moment when an armed, masked man busted in the door demanding money.

The young clerk, who asked not to be named, along with the store manager, described the incident that occurred at 4:55am on Saturday morning, just as he opened the store.

He said a man quickly entered the store, wearing all black, with a black hood and mask. He said the man was completely covered and ran straight at him, where he was standing at the register. 

"I knew when he came in it wasn't good, there was going to be trouble," he said. "He pulled out a gun and pointed it at me and he said give me all the money."

The clerk said he opened up the register and told the man to take the money.

"I told him, 'here, take it,'" as he motioned his hands up in the air. "He grabbed the money and he punched me." He pointed to his stomach and head.

The store manager said he feels like the suspect is someone that is local or familiar with the place because he knew the layout of the store.

"He knew when we opened and he knew where to take the clerk," said the manager, who noted that the robber took the clerk to another area of the store.

The clerk said the entire incident was over in just under a couple of minutes. He also said he called the police as soon as the robber left. Because it was still dark, he never saw a vehicle.

"I am very lucky," he said. "I was very scared."

The suspect is described as being 5'0"- 5'2" in height and was wearing black clothing, a black mask and gloves. The case is being investigated by Kentucky State Police. If anyone has information in reference to this incident or the identity of the person involved, please contact Kentucky State Police Post 3 at 270-782-2010 or via the Kentucky State Police App. Callers may remain anonymous.