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Local, state police investigate string of armed robberies in Fayette County

FAYETTE COUNTY, Pa. — Connellsville police and state police are investigating four armed robberies that occurred over 11 days within a five-mile radius.

“It's very unusual for this type of crime to occur so frequently in such a short time frame, especially in such a condensed area,” Connellsville Police Cpl. Bryan Kendi said.

In each case, a gas station or convenience store was targeted, police said.

"The individuals have been entering these places of businesses at night, armed with a handgun, demanding money and running out of the store,” Kendi said.

Connellsville police are investigating the first robbery at a Sunoco gas station on McCormack Avenue, as well as the most recent one, which occurred Monday around 10:30 p.m. at the Honey Bear Mini-Market on Snyder Street.

State police are handling one at the Marathon Gas Station in Dunbar Township and another at Breakneck Market in Bullskin Township. Channel 11 News obtained surveillance video of the armed robbery at the Breakneck Market, in which the clerk’s husband attempted to take down the thief before a gun was pulled.

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Police said while investigators can’t say the same man is responsible for all the robberies, they said there are some similarities.

“There are indications that say one or more people are involved,” Kendi said.

Descriptions of the suspect in all four incidents are reportedly similar: a white man around 5 feet 9 inches to 6 feet tall who is wearing a mask.

Police said residents can help the investigating officers by being extra vigilant and reporting anything suspicious.