07/21/14 — Officials look for robbery suspect

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Officials look for robbery suspect

By John Joyce
Published in News on July 21, 2014 2:02 PM

A Hispanic male speaking a southern Mexican dialect has been robbing stores in the southern portion of Wayne County since February, the Wayne County Sheriff's Office said.

Sheriff Larry Pierce is now asking for the community's assistance in capturing the suspect.

The armed robberies began at the Friendly Mart at 2212 Indian Springs Road Feb. 24.

O'Quinn's Store at 3302 N.C. 55-East fell victim second near Seven Springs March 5.

Thirteen days later, the LaPalmita Mexican Store at 4357 U.S. 117 Alt. was robbed in Dudley.

After a brief lull in activity, the robber struck again May 27 at the Arrington Mart, 1805 Bill Lane Blvd.

Each time, the suspect uses a different weapon, either a long gun or handgun, according to the Sheriff's Office.

The suspect is described as 18 to 25 years old, 5 feet, 7 inches to 5 feet, 10 inches tall, with a medium build. He is said to strike at closing time while both clerks and customers are still in the store.

Anyone with information regarding these robberies or the suspect is asked to call the Sheriff's office at 919-731-1480, or call crime Stoppers at 919-735-2255.