Seymour Convenience Store Owner Subdues, Detains Robber

A man who attempted to rob a Marathon Gas Speedway Market in Seymour on Wednesday night has been arrested after the store owner detained him until police could arrive.

The Sevier County Sheriff’s Office responded to a 911 call reporting a robbery at the Marathon Gas Speedway Market, 626 Maryville Highway, just after 8 p.m. on March 22, 2017.

Upon arriving, officers learned that a suspect identified as 42-year-old Eric Richard Hopkins, of 202 Colman Street in New London, Conn., reportedly entered the store, grabbed a female employee and demanded she give him money from the cash register. The store owner was present and pulled a stick from behind the counter. Hopkins then attempted to retrieve a knife from his side and then fled the store. The store owner and his son subdued Hopkins in the parking lot until the officers arrived and took him into custody.

Hopkins sustained minor injuries while held by the store owner and officers transported him to LeConte Medical Center, but he refused treatment.

Detectives charged Hopkins with Robbery. Additional charges may be added in connection with the incident. He is being held in the Sevier County Jail awaiting arraignment before a Magistrate for a bond hearing.

All persons are considered innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.