A Memphis man is facing charges after allegedly attempting to rob a Family Dollar store and pointing a gun at members of the National Guard.
Police identified the suspect as 33-year-old Marland McDowell. Authorities said the incident occurred just after 2 p.m. on Thursday, March 12, at a Family Dollar on the 2600 block of James Road.
According to the affidavit, McDowell entered the store with a black revolver and demanded money from the register. The store clerk told officers she could not open the register or the safe. McDowell then fled the store and ran into the parking lot.
Police said McDowell approached a car while brandishing the gun, unaware that members of the National Guard were inside. They detained him until officers arrived. Authorities later determined that the weapon was a pellet gun, not a real firearm.
McDowell was arrested and charged with attempted aggravated robbery. He is being held at Shelby County Jail on a $55,000 bond and is scheduled to appear in court on Monday morning.
