Thieves hit fireworks stores; one employee injured

INDIANAPOLIS (WISH) - Indianapolis police are searching for suspects after two fireworks stores were robbed early Tuesday. Thousands in cash and fireworks were stolen, and at least one employee was hurt.

The first robbery occurred at Cow Fireworks in the 5400 block of North Keystone Avenue sometime before 10 a.m. Tuesday morning. According to Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department reports, the owner of the store discovered someone had broken a window and stolen around $18,000 worth of fireworks. Four cash registers and around $500 in cash was also missing from the store.

Earlier in the morning, officers were also called to Pyroville Fireworks in the 6800 block of Madison Avenue. According to police reports, two employees were outside the store when they were approached by two other men.

One of the suspects pointed a gun at the pair and forced them back into the store, demanding money from the register. As they walked inside, one of the suspects hit one of the employees in the head with the gun.

After picking up a cash box with about $100 in it, the suspects forced the employees into a back room and told them not to come out, according to reports. Several minutes later, the employees emerged from the back room to find their computers and cell phones had also been stolen.

The injured employee was taken to St. Francis Hospital, where he was treated for a head wound.

IMPD is asking anyone with information on either robbery to call Crime Stoppers at 317-262-TIPS. Callers can remain anonymous, and information that leads to felony arrest may be eligible for cash reward.