Armed robber forces store clerk behind counter, helps himself to cash

BUTLER, Pa. — An armed robber stormed into a convenience store, forced the clerk behind the counter and helped himself to cash.

Within minutes of the crime, Butler police had the suspect in custody. He's behind bars for stealing $88.

Police showed only Channel 11 multiple camera angles that captured the robber's every move.

Investigators told Channel 11 the man in the video, wearing a hoodie and a mask to cover his face, is Christian Snyder.

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Armed with a kitchen knife, he walked into the A+ Convenience Store on Jefferson Street in Butler Tuesday night, according to police.

He demanded cash from the clerk, then followed the employee behind the counter and grabbed as much money as he could.

"He entered the store and threatened the clerk," said Deputy Chief Dave Adam with Butler police.

As the man left, the camera captured his face, but it was covered. Officers arrived quickly and tracked the robber down a few blocks away.

After police took the suspect into custody, they retraced his steps with the help of several surveillance cameras throughout the city.

On Broad Street, a few blocks away from the store, they found the knife.

The handle of the knife was pushed into the grass, which police said was the robber's attempt to hide it.

"It was good police work and no one was hurt," Adam said.

Police checked out other surveillance cameras in the area and say those captured the suspect before the crime, without his mask on and walking near the store.

Cox Media Group