ROANOKE TIMES
Copyright (c) 1996, Roanoke Times
DATE: Saturday, February 24, 1996 TAG: 9602270031
SECTION: VIRGINIA PAGE: C-3 EDITION: METRO
SOURCE: DIANE STRUZZI
A man tried to rob a Northwest Roanoke business Thursday, then robbed a customer as he walked to his car. No one was injured.
Two men came into Alrenco at 601 21st St. N.W. about 5:20 p.m. and asked if the store rented pagers, according to an employee. One of the men walked behind the jewelry counter and said he was going to rob the store and wanted all the money. The would-be robber never displayed a weapon, but did point to a bulge in his shirt.
The employee, who asked that his name not be used, said a customer called during the attempted robbery, sensed something was amiss and alerted police.
About the same time, Ronnie Clinton Hugart walked into the store with his children to cash a payroll check. When Hugart left, the two men followed him, according to the employee.
Police said they could not confirm the employee's account of the incident. But they said that Hugart was followed from the store by a man who demanded money and threatened to kill him. No weapon was displayed. Hugart gave the man some of the cash he had just received. The robber fled on foot.
The police report did not mention a second man.
LENGTH: Short : 30 linesby CNB