WREG.com

Kroger parking lot attacks have shoppers on guard

MEMPHIS, Tenn. — The weekend after a woman was attacked in the Kroger Parking lot on Mendenhall at Sanderlin, we found security on foot patrol, walking the lot.

“I always feel safe in this parking lot. I come here all hours and I have never once worried about a thing,” said Kroger shopper Jennifer Smith.

Some are now questioning that safety after the parking lot robbery on Saturday evening  and they may have good reason.

“It seems like you are hearing more and more of crimes occurring all over Memphis. It’s just less in this neighborhood than others I am afraid,” said Kroger shopper Bill Wells.

These Kroger attacks didn’t just start happening.

In November 2012, a man was robbed in the store parking lot of the Kroger on Highway 70.

Kroger said three off duty deputies were patrolling.

In April 2013, a man shot a woman in the Kroger lot in Frayser on Range Line after he tried to snatch her purse.

Several months later crooks approached a man outside the Kroger on South Third. The robbery turned into a gun fight.

At the Austin Peay Kroger just three months ago a woman came face to face with a gunman who told her to open her door or he would shoot. He got away with cash.

Then who can forget the mob attack outside Kroger on Highland in September 2014,  where an out of control youth mob let loose on a customer and several Kroger employees.

We asked Kroger about their security, but their public relations officer said they don’t discuss security.

Memphis Police said their officers will be monitoring the area where the latest robbery happened.

Shoppers told us they will also self-monitor, changing their attitudes.

“I probably take for granted the safety,” said one shopper.

Now they will  take precautions, while on the look out for the unexpected.

Kroger sent us a statement saying they are working with the landlord at the Mendenhall-Sanderlin Kroger Store and police to capture the latest suspect.

Memphis Police have a little information they hope will help find the person responsible.

He was driving a red Toyota with tag number T38G4C, but were unable to tell us if it is a car or a truck.