Suspects sought in armed robbery, fire at Woodstock video game store

CHEROKEE COUNTY, Ga. — The owner of a Woodstock store is recovering from burns after armed men robbed his game store and set it on fire.

Woodstock police have blocked off part of a Cherokee County shopping center as they continue to investigate an armed robbery and fire at a Play N Trade store on Eagle Drive.

The fire at the Play N Trade store on Eagle Drive happened just before noon Sunday. Witnesses sent  photos of the heavy police and fire presence near the scene.

"I looked outside and saw several officers with assault rifles pointed at the building," said Paula Larson.

Investigators told Channel 2's Tom Regan the robbers held up the store and poured gasoline to start the fire.

"Upon our initial arrival, we didn't know exactly what was going on. We had an active structure fire," said Woodstock Police Sgt. Randy Milligan.

All the commotion alarmed brunch customers and workers at a diner in the building next door.

"I ran out as soon as I heard guns were drawn and there was nothing but a cloud of smoke coming out," said Antwain Jordan.

Jordan said the owner of Play N Trade came out of the store with burns on his legs.

"We were all scared and worried about our own safety," added diner employee Brendan Carroll.

Two loyal customers of the video game store dropped by to check out what happened.

"I couldnt' believe it. I mean, it's Woodstock. Nothing happens here," said Acrain Boucham.

Police said three or four men staged the robbery and they're still on the loose.

The owner of Play N Trade, Troy Braselton, 42, is in stable condition at Grady Memorial Hospital. Employees said he yelled for everyone to get out of the building despite his own injures.

Anyone with information about this case is asked to call 911.

WSBTV