Key Takeaways
- A man named Franklin Kier is wanted for a dawn robbery at Khushi Food Mart; he may be armed and dangerous.
- Police urge neighbors near Northside Drive to stay alert and report any tips regarding Kier.
- Witnesses reported that a suspect with a handgun demanded money and fired a shot inside the store; no injuries occurred.
- Detectives are investigating the case and have arrested Kianna Grisby for obstruction related to the inquiry.
- Police advise the public not to confront Kier but to call 911 with any information.
Police say a man wanted in a dawn store robbery may be armed. Officers ask neighbors near Northside Drive to stay alert and call 911 with tips.
What’s Happening: According to a Valdosta Police Department release, detectives say they identified a suspect after a 6 a.m. robbery Monday at Khushi Food Mart at 1509 Northside Drive. Police say they got arrest warrants for 25-year-old Franklin Kier on charges of armed robbery, aggravated assault, and possession of a firearm during the commission of a felony. Police say Kier should be considered armed and dangerous.
Police say a person with a handgun demanded money and fired the gun inside the store, then ran off with cash. No injuries were reported.
Between the Lines: Police stress this case is still open. Details can change as detectives review evidence and talk with witnesses.
Accountability And Safety: Police ask the public for help, but they tell people not to confront the wanted man. If you have information, police say to call 911. You can also reach the Bureau of Investigative Services at 229-293-3145 or the tip line at 229-293-3091, or send a tip online at the Valdosta Police Department website.
What Police Say About Another Arrest: Police say they arrested 35-year-old Kianna Grisby on a misdemeanor obstruction charge. Detectives say Grisby gave conflicting information during the probe. Police say she lives in Lowndes County.
What We Know About The Robbery: Police say a citizen called 911 around 6 a.m. Monday to report what looked like a robbery at the store. Officers arrived and found evidence that a person with a gun demanded money and fired the weapon. Police say the person took an unknown amount of cash and ran. Detectives and crime scene staff worked the scene and collected evidence. Police say the investigation continues.
The Sources: Valdosta Police Department.
⚠️ Reminder: Crime articles contain only charges and information from police reports and law enforcement statements. Suspects and defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
B.T. Clark
B.T. Clark is an award-winning journalist and the Publisher of The Georgia Sun. He has 25 years of experience in journalism and served as Managing Editor of Neighbor Newspapers in metro Atlanta for 15 years and Digital Director at Times-Journal Inc. for 8 years. His work has appeared in several newspapers throughout the state including Neighbor Newspapers, The Cherokee Tribune and The Marietta Daily Journal. He is a Georgia native and a fifth-generation Georgian.
