Robbery attempt at gas station
A South Strabane Township police detective said he will talk with Washington police investigators to determine if there is a connection between a robbery attempt early Thursday in the township and two robberies on East Maiden Street in the city, one late Monday and a second early Tuesday.
Township police were called about 12:35 a.m. to the BP station, 505 Racetrack Road, for an attempted robbery. Police were on their way when they learned the would-be robber had fled the store and was running toward Interstate 79.
The clerk at the BP told police he was outside emptying garbage when he was approached by a man coming from the Chartiers Township side of Racetrack Road. The man told the clerk to get back inside the store. Once inside, he reportedly ordered the clerk to open the cash register. The clerk refused to open the register, and the robber reportedly made several more demands it be opened. When the clerk continued to refuse the demands, the robber fled. Detective Ken Torboli said the robber indicated he had a weapon, but no gun was seen by the clerk.
The robber is described as white, with short hair and wore a gray, long-sleeved shirt, shorts and had a black and white bandana or handkerchief over his face. He also had a Doritos chip bag over his hand.
Torboli plans to talk with city police detectives in an effort to determine if there is any connection between the attempted robbery at the BP and robberies at the KwikFill, 705 E. Maiden, Monday night and at the Uni-Mart, 336 1/2 E. Maiden, about five hours later. City police believe the same robber held up both of those businesses. He is described as white, about 5 feet, 8 inches tall and was carrying a silver handgun. City police Chief Robert Wilson said there are no new developments in the investigation.
“I will be making contact with the city police and compare notes with them to determine if there is any connection,” Torboli said.
The detective also will attempt to secure video surveillance from the BP.
Police from Chartiers and North Strabane townships assisted. Anyone with information is asked to call police at 724-225-8111 or 911.