Store manager, clerk chase armed robbers

The handgun was initially thought to be a cap gun.
By PETER H. MILLIKEN
VINDICATOR TRUMBULL STAFF
WARREN -- A gas station manager and cashier got into the manager's car and chased two men who were fleeing on foot after a daring daytime armed robbery during which shots were fired.
The McQuaid's manager, Jerome Norman, 47, said he decided to give chase "because they were on foot, and I thought it was a blank gun. We didn't know it was a real gun until the police dug the bullets out" from the station's cash register and ceiling.
"I dialed 911 and told them [Warren police], 'I'm in pursuit of them.' They told me to be careful," recalled Norman, who had a cellular phone with him during the chase.
"We ran them down. They split up and went different directions," Norman said. Norman drove to Swallow Street Southwest, where police found him after the 11:16 a.m. robbery.
Witnesses told police money was falling from the robber's pocket during the pursuit.
The robbery
There were two customers in the McQuaid's store at 805 W. Market St. when the gunman wearing a black ski mask, black hoodie, light blue coat and blue jeans entered, brandished a handgun and demanded money from the register, Norman said.
After Norman locked himself inside the office and dialed 911, he watched on the monitor as the cashier on duty lunged at the robber, who then grabbed the money and fired three shots at the cashier at point blank range. The third bullet has not been found.
The robber's accomplice, who wore a dark jacket, remained outside the station. A second cashier was in the restroom, Norman said.
A police report said the robber ran south of Tod Avenue Southwest toward Front Street after leaving the store.
The robbery was recorded on a store videotape, said Norman, estimating $250 to $300 was taken. There were no injuries, but the staff was "shaken up a little bit," he added.
A canine unit was called and police scoured the area, but no suspects were in custody Friday afternoon, said Lt. Gary Vingle of the detective bureau. Detectives are examining the store video, he said, urging anyone with information to call him at (330) 841-2656.
Norman said he believes the robber is the same man who robbed the station two months ago. After that robbery, the station changed its closing time from 11 to 10 p.m.
"But it's broad daylight, so I guess it doesn't really make any difference," Norman said Friday.