Statesboro police seek information on a man who robbed a victim Saturday at “gunpoint,” although detectives later discovered the “rifle” recovered near the scene was not an actual firearm.
Public Safety Director Wendell Turner said Thursday that a male victim reported being robbed by a man with a rifle around 8:47 p.m. Saturday at Southern Celebrities on Lanier Drive.
“The suspect was not on scene when officers arrived,” Turner said.  The victim told police the unknown offender “entered the establishment, pointed a rifle at him and took his iPhone,” he said.  “After a search of the area, officers recovered clothing, an iPhone, and what appeared to be a rifle. Upon further investigation the “rifle” was found not to be considered a firearm.  This case is currently under investigation.”
Anyone with information concerning this case is asked to contact the Statesboro Police Department’s Criminal Investigations Bureau at (912) 764-9911.  You may also anonymously submit information to www.tipsoft.com or send a text message beginning with “TIPSSPD” to 274637 (CRIMES). All information is strictly confidential, Turner said.

Holli Deal Bragg may be reached at (912) 489-9414.