Owners beaten in restaurant robbery

Couple recovering from beating

By JOE PERRY
Item Staff Writer
jperry@theitem.com

Sumter Police said in a late Friday afternoon press release the owners of Teriyaki Wok were badly beaten in a Thursday night armed robbery at their Old West Liberty Street business and the suspect is on the loose.

About 9:20 p.m., police responded to 1160 Old W. Liberty St., in reference to an armed robbery, the release states. In the back parking area of the business, police learned that the owners, identified only as Mr. and Mrs. Chae, were victims “that had been severely assaulted during the robbery.”

As employees exited the business after closing, an unknown black male approached Mrs. Chae from behind, brandishing a firearm and demanding money. Mrs. Chae was struck repeatedly during the robbery with the firearm and the assailant struck her husband as he tried to intervene. After the he took her purse, he fled in an unknown direction. The couple was transported by Emergency Medical Services to Tuomey Regional Medical Center for treatment and then transported to Palmetto Health Richland in Columbia for further treatment.

Mrs. Chae is in critical condition while her husband is still being treated in the Intensive Care Unit, the release states.

Sumter Police Chief Patty Patterson said the couple both sustained head wounds and Mrs. Chae was still in critical condition. She said the investigation of what she deemed to be a “strong arm robbery” is ongoing.

The suspect is described as a black male about 6 feet tall with a medium build between 25 and 35 years old. He was wearing a dark hooded jacket, dark pants and a dark colored hat.

Residents are asked to contact the Sumter Police Department at (803) 436-2700 or Crime Stoppers at (803) 436-2718 if they have any information. Callers can remain anonymous and could be eligible for a cash reward.

Contact Staff Writer Joe Perry at jperry@theitem.com or (803) 774-1272.