SPOKANE, Wash. — A recent string of convenience store robberies in North Spokane has shopkeepers on high alert.
On July 19 around 2 p.m., a man robbed the 76 gas station near Monroe Street and Mansfield Avenue, about a mile from North Central High School.
A store employee said the man threatened him at gunpoint and took several hundred dollars. The suspect then went behind the counter and pocketed several cartons of cigarettes before sprinting out of the store.
Days later, on July 23, around 4 p.m., the same gas station was robbed.
The store’s surveillance footage shows the same store employee from the July 19 robbery jumping back as he is threatened at gunpoint for a second time; the suspect took between $600 and $700 before running out the door.
Two customers were inside the store.
Audie’s convenience store near Monroe Street and Boone Avenue was also robbed on July 18.
“Before I opened my mouth, he pulled a gun,” said one Audie’s employee named Phan.
Phan said the man demanded money from the register, and was upset when he found it was only $30.
“It was a scary moment. He found out it was not much money and didn’t want to leave. He wanted my wallet. He said, ‘hand me your wallet,’ and I said, ‘I don’t have my wallet,’ and he said, ‘yes you do!,'” said Phan.
Phan told the man she left her wallet in her car. The suspect eventually left and Phan called the police.
Spokane Police Department believes the 76 gas station was robbed by the same person, but have not yet confirmed whether he’s the same suspect involved in the Audie’s robbery.
Some businesses in North Spokane have taken to locking their doors during the day while police continue their search for the armed robber.
Anyone with information should call 911 or Crime Check at 509 456-2233.
PREVIOUS COVERAGE: SPD investigating armed robbery possibly connected to another robbery
COPYRIGHT 2024 BY KXLY. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. THIS MATERIAL MAY NOT BE PUBLISHED, BROADCAST, REWRITTEN OR REDISTRIBUTED
