Overview: Between September 30th and November 13th, eleven commercial robbery incidents have taken place that appears to be related. A black male suspect (age 20-30) similarly described in appearance and motive has targeted gas stations, convenience stores and coffee shops, all at gunpoint using a black handgun. The suspect has been reported to cover his face with a mask or bandana, and has been known to order the clerks to the floor at gunpoint.Five incidents took place on District E5, two on District E13, three on District E18 and one on B3. All of the incidents have taken place between 4:00 PM and 4:00 AM.
Area detectives have organized a Task Force to address these incidents. Districts will also increase patrols. Community members are urged to contact 911 to report any suspicious activity.
Similarities in each incident:
· Made the clerk get down on floor
· Black handgun shown
· Wearing mask (bandana over face)
· Wearing dark-colored hooded sweatshirt
· Stole money from registers
Incident Details:
· E18 –On 11/13/06 @ 2:10 AM, the Store 24, located at 1187 Hyde Park, was robbed by a black male wearing a brown-colored hooded sweatshirt and a blue bandana across his face. The suspect entered the store brandishing a black handgun and ordered the clerk to open the register. The suspect told the clerk to get on the ground and then fled with cash taken from two registers and a safe.
· B3 –On 11/12/06 @ 5:03 AM, the Dunkin Donuts, located at 1514 Blue Hill Ave., was robbed by a black male wearing a dark-colored hooded sweatshirt and a mask across his face. The suspect entered the store showing a black handgun. The suspect demanded money and ordered the clerk to open the register. The suspect told the clerk to get on the ground and then fled with cash taken from two registers.
· E5 –On 11/11/06 @ 7:20 PM, the Dunkin Donuts, located at 5305 Washington St., was robbed by a black male wearing all black clothing and a black face mask. The suspect entered the store and threatened the clerk with a black handgun. The suspect fled with cash from the register after he struck the victim on the back of the head with the handgun. The victim was transported to a local hospital and treated for a minor injury.
· E18 –On 11/06/06 @ 8:25 PM, the Store 24, located at 1187 Hyde Park Ave., was robbed by a black male wearing a black hooded sweatshirt and a black face mask. The suspect showed a black or dark green handgun and demanded money. The suspect fled with cash from the register and safe.
· E13 –On 11/02/06 @ 7:48 PM, the Petal and Leaf Store, located at 461 Centre St., was robbed by a black male brandishing a black handgun and wearing a gray hooded sweatshirt. The suspect ordered the clerk to the floor and demanded money. The suspect fled the scene with cash from the register.
· E18 –On 10/27/06 @ 7:42 PM, the Dunkin Donuts, located at 7 Walk Hill St., was robbed by a black male wearing a black bandana across his face, black baggy jeans and holding a gun. The suspect demanded money and fled with cash from the register.
· E5 –On 10/10/06 @ 8:15 PM, the Hess gas station, located at 5315 Washington St., was robbed by a black male wearing a “Halloween type” mask. The suspect threatened to shoot the clerk, ordered her to the floor, and took money from the register and safe deposit box.
· E5 –On 10/9/06 @ 11:45 PM, the Lil’ Peach, located at 7 Spring St., was robbed by a black male wearing a mask. The suspect ordered the clerk down on the floor at gunpoint (black firearm). The suspect fled with money from the register.
· E13 –On 10/2/06 @ 9:56 PM, the Texaco gas station, located at 914 Huntington Ave., was robbed by a black male (approx. age 20, blue mask). The suspect ordered the clerk to the floor at gunpoint (black firearm), and fled with cash from the register.
· E5 –On 9/30/06 @ 3:10 AM, the Lil’ Peach, located at 7 Spring St., was robbed by a black male (black ski mask). The suspect robbed the store at gunpoint (black firearm), and fled with cash and lottery tickets.
Investigators believe that there may be two suspects acting either independently or together in the robberies.
TIPS FROM THE BPD
WHAT TO DO DURING A ROBBERY:
To reduce the risk of injury, COMPLY WITH THE ROBBER’S DEMANDS. Make a mental note of as much descriptive information as possible.
What to look for:
· Facial Features
· Clothing & Jewelry
· Skin, Hair & Eye Color
· Age, Height, Weight, Sex
· Scars, Tattoos, Marks
· Speech, Accents
WHAT TO DO AFTER A ROBBERY
Do Not Chase the Robber!
Observe & Remember:
· Direction of travel
· License plate number
· Type & Color of vehicle
· Type of Weapon displayed
· Do not keep large amounts of money in the register
· Be aware of suspicious individuals loitering around your business
CALL 9-1-1 IMMEDIATELY
