The Vinton Police Department is currently investigating two armed robberies that occurred in the Town of Vinton, the first one being at the Subway store, located at 987 Hardy Rd., reported on Sunday, May 26 at 9:36 am. The second armed robbery occurred at the Pizza Hut, located at 1060 Bypass Rd., reported on Monday, May 27 at 2:28 pm. In both robberies, a white male entered the store, dressed in a grey colored long sleeve shirt, dark pants, and had some type of covering on his head and face, similar to a cloth or article of clothing which was black in color. In both instances, the suspect displayed a solid black semi-automatic handgun and demanded money from the clerks and then fled on foot. There is a possibility that he got into a vehicle waiting nearby and left the area.
This method of operation and suspect’s description matches that of the person who held up the Tobacco store located on Washington Ave. on Friday, May 24. That incident was located in Roanoke County just outside of the Town of Vinton. Today, we met with representatives from agencies in the Roanoke Valley to compare these incidents to some of the recent robberies that they are investigating and help piece together a better description of a suspect(s) and determine if any patterns are evident that would assist us in locating them. We determined from that meeting that similar armed robberies involving a person of this description have also occurred in Roanoke City and Botetourt County recently.
Vinton police officers are increasing patrols of businesses throughout town and speaking with citizens in an effort to obtain more information and make them aware of these robberies so that they will report any suspicious activity immediately. Roanoke Valley law enforcement officers are working jointly in the investigation as well as patrolling the area to increase police presence.
Suspect’s description is as follows:
White male, mid 20’s, approximately 6 feet tall and 180 pounds, thin build. The incident in Roanoke County indicates the suspect may possibly have brown hair.
We are asking anyone who may have information about these incidents to please contact the Vinton Police Department and speak with Sergeant Testerman who is handling the investigation. He can be reached at (540) 983-0617, ext 169.
