KNOXVILLE (WATE) - Three teens are facing charges for a botched robbery attempt Wednesday that left one wounded at a store in the Vestal community.
Kane Varner, 15; Jonathan Turner, 15; and Jacob Mitchell, 17, are charged with burglary and two counts each of aggravated robbery for the incident at Southside Market.
Varner had surgery at UT Medical Center for a gunshot wound to the chest.
Police said the clerk, Joseph Lester Armes, drew a gun and shot Varner as the teen reached in a backpack that turned out to have a hammer in it. The teens are accused of wearing masks and bandanas as they entered the store.
All three were taken into custody shortly after the shooting. One of the suspects was trying to help Varner.
Investigators believe the teens recently robbed Southside Market at least one other time.
Police Chief David Rausch said Armes didn't have a gun permit, but his department won't file charges against him for the shooting. However, District Attorney General Randy Nichols said he hasn't made a decision on prosecuting Armes.
The attempted robbery was at Southside Market.
