Man robbed outside Salvation Army

MOBILE, Ala. (WALA) - Mobile police are looking for three suspects who robbed a man on Dauphins Street Sunday night.

The robbery happened about a block from the Salvation Army Headquarters.  

The victim had just left an AA meeting, and was headed to the Salvation Army Shelter around 9:50 p.m. Sunday, November 18 when he said two passengers got out a burgundy SUV and approached him.

"One of our clients was walking home from a meeting coming back to our shelter here on Dauphin Street. And unfortunately, he was targeted by some robbers who pretended to be police officers, forced him to the ground, took his money and then left," Salvation Army Spokesperson Katie Emer said.

Emer said the victim is a resident in treatment at the facility.

"He's one our residents here in one of rehab programs. He's trying to, he was coming back from a meeting. He's getting things together; and unfortunately, he was attacked by some pretty ugly people," she said.

It's the kind of thing that could happen to anyone. The robbers obviously targeted the man because he was alone on the street at night. Emer said the really sad thing is they didn't get very much.

"They only got away with $8, from what we understand. And so it breaks your heart to hear that all this had to happen over $8, and then they took the cards that he uses here to buy snacks and stuff in our little shop," she said.

Emer said it was a frightening ordeal for the victim, who is trying to get his life back on track.   

"It's scary. I know he's very upset, and he's shaken up. Hopefully, here he has a family, and he has people surrounding him to help him get through it, and know that it could happen to anyone. He just happened to be along the side of the road at that time," Emer said.

The suspects were wearing plain clothes and skull caps. There was no indication they had anything to identify them as police officers.

Public Information Officer Corporal Chris Levy said the victim did the right thing.

"He did just fine. We always tell people if you're going to be the victim of a robbery, or if you come in contact with police, the best and safest way for all involved is just to comply with the orders that you're given," Corp. Levy said.

The victim was walking on the street, but Levy said if you're in your car and an officer attempts to pull you over, you can always head to an area where you feel safe. He said just turn your flashers on, or use your hand to acknowledge the officer's presence.

There is a third suspect in this case. Police said the driver never got out of the SUV.

If you have any information on these suspects call Mobile Police at (251) 208-7000.