Ground Zero Blues Club in downtown Clarksdale was robbed in broad daylight Sunday.
The crime occured about 2:30 p.m. at the business on Delta Avenue with two thieves brandishing weapons and threatening employees.
According to Clarksdale Police Department assistant chief Vince Ramirez, two black males – both armed and with masks on – entered the building during business hours, held up the employees at gunpoint and stole cash. The thieves then fled the scene on foot.
“They demanded money. They gave them money.” said Ramirez. “It’s undetermined the amount of cash at this point, but they ran out by the railroad tracks.”
“We don’t have any names of any individuals at this point” he added. “They had masks on.”
Ramirez said, normally through investigation, the CPD is able to catch individuals it is looking for under similar circumstances.
Ground Zero Blues Club did have a camera, which should be helpful, according to Ramirez.
“Cameras are a real good tool for places of business,” he said. “And, two, prior to opening, make sure that you’ve got someone other than just one person in the place of business at the time.”
Ramirez said cameras surrounding Ground Zero Blues Club are also being checked. He encouraged anyone who saw someone running from Ground Zero Blues Club around the time of the incident Sunday afternoon to call the police.
“They don’t have to give their name or anything,” he said. “They could remain anonymous.”
Those with information about the holdup may contact the CPD at 662-621-8151.
Ramirez also advised businesses not to have too much cash on hand.
The Clarksdale Fred’s was the victim of a brazen smash-and-grab burglary last month when robbers broke glass to gain entry to the building and apparently had the combination to a safe.
The thieves and the money were gone when police responded to a burglar alarm. No one has been arrested for that crime.
