Officers employ G’dale K-9 unit in effort to track suspects.



By Adam Smith

The North Jefferson News



The Fultondale Police Department is investigating a Wednesday night armed robbery of a package store.

Det. David Smith said two males entered Tooties, located at 925 Decatur Hwy., shortly before 9 p.m. and demanded money from store employees.

The suspects were reportedly armed with a black semi-automatic handgun. Smith said there were no injuries in the robbery.

“We’re very thankful to God that no one was hurt,” said Janet Sanders, owner of Tootie’s.

After taking an undetermined amount of money, the suspects fled from the rear of the store.

Fultondale officers received help from the Gardendale Police Department in the form of K-9 units, who tracked a scent from the store about 75 yards up to Arwood Road. It is believed the suspects may have had a car waiting there.

“Gardendale was gracious enough to let us use their dog,” Smith said. “We try to help each other any way we can. Whatever crime affects us, also affects them.”

The Fultondale Police Department is also working with other municipalities to find out if there have been any recent robberies of a similar nature in the Birmingham area.

Smith described one suspect as being about 5-foot-nine, weighing 155 pounds and wearing a red hooded jacket and dark pants. The other suspect is described as five-foot-five, 140 pounds, wearing a black hooded jacket and dark pants. The suspects are also described as being in their 20s.

He said the race of the suspects is unknown because they were wearing masks over their faces.

Smith said store employees did the right thing by giving the suspects what they asked for. He said other business owners should do the same.

“The most important thing is to be as alert as possible,” he said. “Be aware of who’s in the store and who’s circling the parking lot, especially around opening and closing times. If they [employees] feel like there’s anything suspicious, give us a call. We’d rather be safe than sorry.”

Sanders also advised other business owners to make sure their store surveillance equipment is working properly.

“We have every confidence that the Fultondale Police Department is doing everything in their power to catch them,” Sanders said.

Smith said anyone with any information about the case should call the Fultondale Police Department at 849-5456 and ask for Det. David Smith or Det. David Rogers.