Arrested for attempted armed robbery at Hixson Pike Smoke Shop

An arrest was made in the attempted armed robbery at the Smoking Joe Tobacco Shop on Hixson Pike Friday evening.

John Todd Sem, 42, was charged with attempted armed robbery and alleged possession of a small amount of cocaine.

During the arrest, officers also recovered a handgun that was reported stolen out of Georgia.

The sheriff’s office said the incident began when a robbery alarm went off, alerting officers to respond to the scene.

The suspect, described as a man of mixed race, attempted to rob the store with a handgun visible in his waistband.

Fortunately, no one was injured and the suspect fled the scene without getting any goods or money.

The incident occurred earlier on Friday evening.

Sem remains in custody at the Hamilton County Jail during the ongoing investigation.