Sonic robbery net little cash for gunman

By Rupert Howell
Batesville Police Chief Jimmy McCloud confirmed the Batesville Sonic Drive-In located on Woodland Drive and Highway 6 E was robbed at gunpoint Friday just before 9 p.m. when a masked black male entered and took a “small amount of cash” before retreating behind Batesville Fire Station #2 on foot.
McCloud did not confirm that the suspect’s weapon was an AK-47 as rumored, but did confirm in surveillance video the weapon appeared as some type of long gun. No shots were fired the chief said stating that there was also no physical contact.
“He was in and out of there pretty quick. We’re thankful no  one was hurt,” McCloud stated.
Batesville Police officers responded in less than a minute McCloud stated while noting Panola County Sheriffs Department and Mississippi Highway Patrol also responded.
Law enforcement quickly established a perimeter and used a K-9 unit that tracked the suspect nearby to the area of the Diversicare of Batesville nursing home also on Woodland Drive near the fire station.
McCloud said law enforcement officials believe the suspect had a car waiting there and quickly left the area stating he believed the suspect is “long gone.”
McCloud is asking witnesses who may have seen anything, no matter how simple, to notify Batesville Police Department at 563-5653.
BPD is currently reviewing surveillance footage with plans to share that with The Panolian and the PD’s Facebook pages.