Two men sought for stealing 19 beers, striking clerk with truck - KYTX CBS 19 Tyler Longview News Weather Sports

Smith said the incident happened July 27 about 9:35 p.m. at the Courtesy Mart at 303 S. Main St. in Winona.

"The two men walked into the store and one grabbed a single beer and then the other man grabbed an 18-pack of Budweiser and walked out of the store without paying," he said.

Smith said the clerk walked out after the two men telling them they had to pay for the beer, but the men got into their vehicle.

"The clerk stood in front of the vehicle telling them to rethink their decision. Though there was room for the men to go around the clerk, the vehicle accelerated striking the clerk, who was able to take the brunt of the vehicle with his hands and jump out of the way," he said.

Smith said the man did not suffer any major injuries, but because the vehicle was used to strike him, the men are wanted for aggravated robbery, because the vehicle was used as a weapon.

Smith said the vehicle was a white Mitsubishi Montero Sport with a license plate of BZ9P331, which is registered to a Maria Martinez.

Smith said he and Winona police have not been able to find Ms. Martinez, but they are hoping someone will have the information they need to make the arrests.

"It was a simple theft until they struck him with the vehicle. They had plenty of room to go around, but they chose to use the vehicle as a weapon," Smith said.

Anyone with information can contact the Winona Police Department at 903-877-2160 or Smith at 903-590-4871.