Police: Man robs auto parts store, nearly shoots child while escaping

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Tyrone Police say a robbery at a local O'Reilly Auto Parts may be connected to a string of robberies terrorizing the small town south of Atlanta.

This morning, police say a man entered the unlocked rear entrance of O'Reilly Auto Parts and began to rob the store. The suspect, who is described as being about 6-feet-5-inches tall and slender, was then an employee reporting to work.

The suspect shot at the employee missed, and fled the area.

More: Serial robbers target small town of Tyrone

A resident of Tyrone attempted to stop the suspect from leaving by ramming his car. After the crash, officials say the suspect shot at the resident's vehicle, narrowly missing a young child in the back seat.

The suspect's car has been described as silver Hyundai Sonata with damage to its front fender, rear bumper, and rear driver-side quarter panel.

Police now say the suspect's mannerism "seem to match" statements from witnesses of robberies from other O'Reilly stores in the area.

Police say that this is the first time the suspect has ever attempted to harm his victims and that people should not engage him. If you have any information into this crime or have seen a vehicle that matches the description, please contact the Tyrone Police Department at 770-487-4732.