ROANOKE TIMES
Copyright (c) 1996, Roanoke Times
DATE: Thursday, December 19, 1996 TAG: 9612190069
SECTION: VIRGINIA PAGE: C-4 EDITION: METRO
DATELINE: FAIRLAWN
SOURCE: ROBERT FREIS
Authorities are searching for a well-dressed bandit responsible for two recent armed robberies in Pulaski and Wythe counties.
The most recent incident occurred Tuesday at the Food Lion store in Fairview shopping center. According to the Pulaski County Sheriff's Office, a man dressed in a three-piece suit walked into the manager's office about 6:20 p.m., pulled a handgun from beneath his coat and demanded money.
The store's assistant manager happened to be counting money at the time. The thief told him to put the money in a white bag with Christmas decorations.
When the store's manager walked into the office, the thief detained him and ordered the assistant manager to open a nearby safe and empty the contents into the bag.
The suspect then walked out of the store.
Tracking dogs traced his scent to the store's rear loading dock, where it disappeared. Authorities believe he had a getaway car parked there, but were unable to obtain a description.
The store was full of customers at the time but none was aware of the robbery, authorities said.
The incident is similar to a Dec. 9 robbery at a Wythe County store, authorities said. In both cases, the suspect was a black male in his late 30s, about 5 feet 8 inches tall and 190 pounds, dressed in a three-piece suit.
Anyone with information about the incidents is asked to call the Pulaski County Sheriff's Office at 980-7800.
LENGTH: Short : 37 linesby CNB