Staff Writer

While most people were looking forward to the Fourth of July holiday, one man apparently had crime on his mind.

At 11:30 p.m. Tuesday, an armed suspect entered Crazy Bill’s Fireworks on Highway 87 with apparent intent to rob the business.

According to information released by Troy Police Chief Anthony Everage, a male suspect described as being in his 20s, six feet tall and 170 pounds entered the business, raised a weapon and fired, injuring the clerk.

The suspect was reportedly wearing a mask or hood to conceal his identity, blue jeans and a dark t-shirt.

Everage said one of the three individuals in the business heard the subject mumble something unintelligible before raising the weapon.

After the clerk was hit by the one shot fired, the suspect fled the scene. His direction and mode of travel are unknown.

The victim was transported to Edge Regional Medical Center’s Emergency Room by Haynes Ambulance for treatment. There were no other injuries reported.

Detectives with the Troy Police Department are investigating the incident, which was outside the city limits, but within the police jurisdiction.

Anyone with information about this crime is asked to call the police department at 566-0500 or the Secret Witness Line at 566-5555.

Other than the shooting and activity at the Troy Police Department’s checkpoint, the holiday was a relatively quiet one, said Sgt. Benny Scarbrough, public information officer for the police department.

Also, Alabama State Troopers reported no fatalities during the Fourth of July travel period, which was often rainy.

The July 4 holiday, last year, ended with 20 fatalities, according to information released by the Department of Public Safety.

It had been estimated seven people would die on Alabama roadways during the 30-hour holiday travel period, which began at 6 p.m. Tuesday and ended at midnight Wednesday.