Suspect may have used Airsoft Gun in Gatlinburg Armed Robberies

Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge Police are looking for a suspect who may have used an Airsoft Gun to commit a string of armed robberies along the Parkway on Tuesday.

According to the Gatlinburg Police Department, a male suspect attempted to rob Blaine’s Grill & Bar at 812 Parkway #105 in Gatlinburg at gunpoint just after 2 p.m. on Feb. 23, 2016. However, an employee of the restaurant recognized the weapon as an airsoft gun, a replica of a firearm, and a physical altercation between the employee and suspect ensued. The suspect fled on foot without any money.

Two hours later, a suspect matching the same description consecutively robbed two more businesses, Treasure Quest Golf and Earthquake the Ride, both located at 653 Parkway in Gatlinburg. In those cases, the suspect indicated he had a weapon, but did not show it to employees, and fled on foot with an undisclosed amount of money.

The suspect is described as a white male with a bald head, about 5’10” tall and weighing 180 pounds. He wore blue jeans, a white hoodie with green writing, and a multicolored beanie.

No one was injured during any of the armed robberies.

Detectives with the Gatlinburg Police Department are reviewing video surveillance images obtained from the businesses, and working with detectives from the Pigeon Forge Police Department to determine if a fourth armed robbery of a business on the Parkway in Pigeon Forge by a suspect matching the same description is related.

Anyone with information about these armed robberies is urged to call the Gatlinburg Police Department at 865-436-5181.