2 pistol-whipped in Tacoma store parking lot

TACOMA, Wash. — Two people in front of a grocery store were hurt Tuesday night when they were robbed by a man who got into their vehicle and were pistol-whipped, police said.

The attack happened in front of a Safeway at South 38^th Street and South M Street before 9 p.m.

Two people were waiting in the parking lot of the store while a friend went inside.

Police said a man got into their vehicle and demanded drugs.

“Their friend had run in to get something, their vehicle was unlocked, and they were just sitting there talking,” said Loretta Cool of the Tacoma Police Department. “The guy said, ‘I don’t have any drugs.’ And then he said, ‘I know you have drugs.’ And he hit him with a handgun across his face.”

KIRO 7 Eyewitness News reporter David Ham spoke with customers who were shocked about the incident.

“Oh my gosh. Well, that’s another good reason not to come to Safeway now. That’s pretty scary,” said Jim Evatt. “I just don’t feel safe at night. They’re open 24 hours.”

Brandon Ervin, who grew up in the area, was taken aback by the attack.

“Man, that’s crazy. Not in Tacoma, man. Not in Tacoma,” said Ervin.

Detectives said security guards outside the store didn’t get a good look at the attacker, and that the victims may have been too frightened to get a good glimpse as well.

“When you actually hear the round being jacked into the chamber, and you believe you’re about to be killed, obviously, the response would be incredible,” said Cool.

Police said the man ran behind the store after the attack, and the victims were not seriously hurt.

KIRO