Authorities are seeking information involving robberies in the Amish community

Authorities are seeking information from the public that might lead to arrests in connection with armed robberies that occurred in the local Amish community on Monday.

Officials with the Lawrence County Sheriff's Department issued a press release on Wednesday, indicating that they are seeking information in regards to two separate robberies that occurred in the vicinities of Yoder and Oaks Roads.

Authorities indicate that in both incidents the driver of what is believed to be a late 1990s to early 2000s model Ford F150 truck, possibly red in color, blocked the roadway, forcing Amish residents traveling via horse and buggy, to stop.

One victim spoke with deputies at around 8:50 p.m. Monday. He reported that the truck had passed his buggy and he noticed that the license plate was covered with tape. He said the driver turned around in a driveway then positioned the truck with the headlights shining toward him, which prevented him from seeing clearly. He said a man exited, armed with a handgun, and demanded that he hand over all of his money.

He told deputies he offered to hand over the $100 in his wallet if the man would allow him to keep his cards. He said the man grabbed his wallet, removed the money, then threw the wallet into the ditch. He told deputies that the man then ran back to the truck, got inside and they fled in the direction of Highway 43.

The victim told officers that he stopped at the home of an Amish friend to ask what he should do. He advised him to go to a nearby home and call for help.

Deputies spoke with the second victim who reported a similar experience. He said that the man demanded money, but that he pulled on the reins instead, turned the buggy around and fled. As he fled he heard what sounded like a gunshot, possibly from a .22 caliber or another small caliber gun. He said he was able to get his family to safety before he called for help.

Deputies conducted a search of the area, but were unable to locate the suspects.

One of the robbers was described as around 5'7" tall, weighing approximately 140 pounds. He was wearing dark colored pants and his face was covered with a white bandana.

Sheriff's department officials are seeking information from the public that might be related to the crimes. Anyone who has information is urged to contact the department at 931-762-3626, or the Criminal Investigation Division directly at 931-762-1608. To remain anonymous, you may submit tips via the department's Facebook page, Lawrence County, Tennessee Sheriff's Department.