Teens return to store with gun after being kicked out

CHARLOTTE — Chaos erupted at a store in northwest Charlotte after a group of teenagers were kicked out and then returned with a gun.

It happened Wednesday night at a Family Dollar on Valleydale Road. A tipster told Channel 9′s Ken Lemon that the incident began with teens being kicked out for shoplifting.

But the teens came back with more people and at least one gun. Images from inside the store show someone pulling the gun out as soon as they walk in the door.

One photo shows a 21-year-old employee in a chokehold while a woman waves a gun at him. The tipster says someone was attacking the store manager behind the counter at the same time.

The tipster said an adult told the teenagers to take what they wanted from the store, instead of being a calming voice.

One shopper told Lemon she knows the store manager well. At one time, she remembered the manager helping her gather supplies for a balloon release when her grandson died.

“I feel sorry for her because she’s a very nice lady,” said Irene Peninger. “She didn’t deserve to be treated like that.”

The two employees were assaulted and had minor injuries, according to a police report.

“I think it’s awful, with the gun violence and all, I just think it’s terrible,” Peninger said.

The Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department told Channel 9 that no arrests have been made yet, but officers said they have clear images of almost everyone involved. The department says they have enough to determine who will face charges when they’re captured.

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