Teen killed in robbery at Bolivar restaurant

BOLIVAR, Tenn. — Bolivar Police Chief Pat Baker has confirmed a 19-year-old has died after a robbery Tuesday night at El Ranchito restaurant.

Baker said the teenager was in the restaurant around 9 p.m. Tuesday when two men wearing hoodies and bandannas and armed with handguns came in the back door of the restaurant.

“Our high school student was obeying all of the commands, wasn’t a threat to either one of them, and just in a cowardly fashion was shot for no reason,” Chief Baker said.

Baker said the men demanded money before shooting the victim, who is an employee at the restaurant and the nephew of the owner.

Police confirmed the victim is a senior at Bolivar Central High School. He died at the scene, according to police. “Good student,” Baker said. “Good grades. Set to graduate in May.”

Police said the suspects left the restaurant on foot. Bolivar police are offering a $25,000 reward for any information leading to an arrest.

“We need information,” Baker said. “We need a lead. We need something to put us on the trail of catching these two individuals.”

Hardeman County Schools Superintendent Warner Ross says counselors are on campus today to meet with staff and students.

Ross says the principal at Bolivar Central High School has already addressed the students about the death.

The district is asking for prayers for the students, the student’s family, and for the community, Ross said.

Baker said they have surveillance video of the shooting. “We want these two brought to justice,” he said. “No reason whatsoever this had to happen.”

Police said they are still trying to determine if this shooting is connected to other robberies in the county.

If you have any information, call the Bolivar Police Department at 731-658-4284.