Gwinnett Daily Post

DULUTH — An armed robbery turned into a shoot-out and a police chase Wednesday night in Duluth.

While the suspects haven’t been caught, Duluth Police spokesman Maj. Don Woodruff said the department is thankful that the police officers and the public are all right after the harrowing events.

Just before 9 p.m., a patron called 911 to report a robbery in progress at the Tong Tong Chinese Massage Parlor in the French Quarter shopping center on Peachtree Industrial Boulevard, Woodruff said.

When police arrived, the suspects ran into the parking lot to flee, and they shot at the first two officers who arrived on the scene, Woodruff said. The officers fired back.

Then, the suspects — a slim white man, about 5-foot-7 and a medium-build black female about 5-foot-2 — fled in a dark colored four-door mid-size sedan, Woodruff said.

During the chase, the suspects reached speeds of about 100 mph before losing police around State Bridge and Jones Bridge roads, the spokesman said, adding that the officers were cautious about endangering the public during the rainy pursuit.

“They’re fine. They’re physically find. They’re mentally fine,” Woodruff said of the officers, who were not hit, although their police cruisers were. “Everything’s good.”

Detectives worked overnight on the case, Woodruff said, adding that he did not know how many shots were fired during the shoot-out or if the suspects got any money during the robbery.

Police are looking for the suspects and the vehicle, which likely has bullet holes in the side and may have had its tinted windows shot out. Woodruff said the car may also have front-end damage.

Anyone with information is asked to call Duluth Police at 770-476-4151.