Three restaurant employees robbed near Overton Square

Melissa Moon
·2 min read
14

MEMPHIS, Tenn. — A GoFundMe has been set up for three Lafayette’s employees who were held up at gunpoint just blocks from the restaurant and music club early Saturday morning.

Police said two men and a woman were walking home from the Overton Square business when they were robbed.

The victims said they were westbound on Trimble Place, near Diana Street, when three to four males in a black Kia Soul approached them. They said the suspects were all wearing ski masks and dark clothing and demanded their property.

Robert Driver, the general manager of Lafayette’s Music Room, said the bartenders and server were headed to their apartment building when they were targeted.

Driver was relieved that none of his employees were hurt and said they were reviewing their safety procedures.

“We’re making sure everyone is still leaving in groups at night. Of course, we’ve made Overton Square security aware so their security teams and patrols can make sure they are present in the area,” said Driver.

According to the police report, the robbers took the victim’s iPhones, wallets, a purse, about $1,000, and a pair of silver earrings.

Driver said the employees were a bit shaken up but were in pretty good spirits now and back at work.

“We let them have the next day off if they wanted to. Two of them took us up, and one of them wanted to come in,” said Driver. “I think they are just a little bit angry that it happened to them more than anything else.”

The owner of Lafayette’s says both the restaurant and Overton Square have security patrolling the area, and businesses nearby are constantly looking for ways to improve safety measures.

Another man reported a robbery at Cooper and Madison on March 30. The victim said he was pushed to the ground by one suspect who took his wallet, phone, keys, and pants.

Police are still investigating both robberies. If you have any information that can help investigators, call CrimeStoppers at (901)528-CASH.

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