Police: Robbery Bandit May Be Behind Two Weekend Strikes
06/22/09
4:45 pm
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reporter: Shawn Smetana
producer: Deidra Dunn
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Charleston, SC -
Two West Ashley armed robberies just 23 hours apart and the same man might be responsible. The two businesses were hit over the weekend in West Ashley off Ashley River road, in another odd twist the two are located right across the street from each other.
At this point police believe the same man is responsible for both robberies, to make matters worse the suspect remains on the run tonight.
A drug store and a fast food joint, two of the latest businesses hit by someone trying to make a quick buck. Saturday night, the suspect walked into the CVS, motioned to the clerk he had a gun and demanded cash, getting away with 60 dollars. On Sunday across Ashley River road, a suspect with a similar look robbed the Hardees. He ordered food, than grabbed the cashier by the shirt, said he had a gun and asked for money.
“I told the girls if anyone comes in, don’t argue give them the money, and send them on their way, it’s not worth dying over a couple hundred dollars,” said Marie Krcelic.
Marie Krcelic runs a bar near both businesses. She says the scariest part is the suspect didn't even wait for the places to close.
“Walking into a Hardees and CVS when it’s open with customers around and demanding money is ludicrous to me,” said Krcelic.
The two robberies close together but different jurisdictions. City police are handling the CVS robbery, Charleston county sheriff's office is taking care of Hardees.
“We need to identify these folks and share notes and work together to identify them and get them off the streets,” said Sheriff Al Cannon.
Krcelic says the sooner the better, but until that happens, she will keep an eye out for the man hiding under the hood. Sheriff Cannon worries the longer the suspect is on the run, the greater the risk for more incidents.
Police were back in area today, with a photo of the suspect, asking different owners if they recognized him and to be aware of the situation.
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