By Brian Livingston
Detectives with the Meridian Police Department's Criminal Investigation Division are currently looking into a string of armed robberies that have targeted convenience stores and businesses recently.
As previously reported, detectives are still trying to locate a suspect who while armed with a long knife robbed the North Hills Gas and Go Dec. 12, at about 7:40 p.m. But in the last 24 hours three other armed robberies have occurred.
According to MPD Capt. James Sharpe, who is commander of the department's CID, an auto parts store and two convenience stores were the target of suspected robbers Wednesday night and Thursday morning.
"We are currently compiling witness statements, video and physical evidence from the locations," said Sharpe. "When we complete the video portion, we will release some video and stills to the media so the public can help us to identify these suspects." Sharpe said on Wednesday at about 7:15 p.m. a black man displaying a large caliber handgun entered the Advance Auto
Parts located at 1601 Fifth Ave. The suspect fled the business after getting cash. He is described as standing about 6 feet, 1 inches tall and weighing about 220 lbs. He was wearing a black sweat shirt.
Just before midnight Wednesday, the Big K Chevron located at 1408 Roebuck Drive was robbed by a black man armed with a handgun. The suspect was described as being between 25 and 35 years old, standing 5 feet, 5 inches tall. He was said to have been wearing a red and black hoodie jacket, blue jeans and white shoes.
On Thursday, at 6:15 a.m., a black suspect wearing a white shirt, blue and gray camo jacket and a white baseball cap with a blue or black watch cap over it, robbed the Cefco location at 1910 Hwy. 19 North. This suspect was described as being 5'8"-6'1" tall weighing between 170 and 180 lbs. He was thought to be between 25 and 35 years of age. Sharpe said this suspect did not show a weapon and only indicated he may be armed.
"We are trying to determine if these incidents are in any way related to each other," said Sharpe.
No one was injured during the course of any of these incidents.
If you have any information pertaining to these incidents you are urged to contact your local law enforcement agency are call Crime Stoppers at (601) 485-1860. Your call to Crime Stoppers is confidential and you may be entitled to a cash reward.
