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Youngstown police probe 2 robberies
YOUNGSTOWN
Youngstown police are investigating two robberies, one involving a South Side discount store.
Employees at the Dollar General store in the 2000 block of Market Street told police a black male appearing to be about 40 years old and about 240 pounds with a large build and straight, black hair in a ponytail and wearing earrings came into the store about 5 p.m. Monday. The man began stuffing assorted packs of underwear and T-shirts into his clothing.
The manager of the store noticed that the man was wearing a black jacket when he entered the store but looked considerably larger when he emerged from the aisle containing the clothing.
The manager confronted the man and asked what was tucked inside his clothing, to which the man replied “my gun.” The manager told the man that guns are not allowed in the store and asked to see what was hidden in his clothes, but the man refused, telling the manager that he was not allowed to see the gun.
The man left the store and still has not been arrested. Police were able to watch video of the thief stealing various items while he was in the store.
Police also are investigating the robbery of a 34-year-old South Side man while he was walking between Market and Erie streets Monday afternoon.
The man told police he had just left a nearby convenience store and noticed two men following him. One of the men stopped him and demanded all his money and cellphone, saying he had a knife.
The victim said he hesitated but handed over the items when the thief went to reach for his pocket. The man handed over a cellphone and $100.