A man armed with a rifle robbed a convenience store in Lynchburg early Sunday morning, according to local police. The incident happened just after 4:00 a.m. when the suspect entered the store, demanded money from the cashier, and fled the scene with cash. The police are now asking the public to come forward with any information that could help track down the suspect.
The robbery occurred at a store located near Wards Road in the city. Witnesses say the man entered the premises quietly but carried a rifle in plain view, creating an immediate sense of panic among the few customers and the staff present at that early hour. Fortunately, no injuries have been reported so far.
Surveillance footage shows the suspect walking into the store wearing a dark hoodie, face covering, and gloves. He reportedly pointed the rifle at the cashier and ordered them to hand over all the money from the register. The employee complied without resistance. Once the cash was handed over, the suspect exited the store and fled on foot, heading toward a nearby residential area.
Lynchburg Police Department responded quickly to the store employee’s emergency call. Officers arrived at the scene within minutes but were unable to locate the suspect in the area. Police conducted a thorough search using patrol units and K-9 teams, but as of now, the man remains at large.
The police have released still images from the store’s security cameras and are urging anyone who may have seen the suspect before or after the robbery to come forward. They’ve also asked nearby homeowners and businesses to check their security camera footage from around 4:00 to 4:30 a.m. Sunday for any unusual activity.
Investigators believe the suspect may be familiar with the area, given how quickly he disappeared after the robbery. They are currently reviewing CCTV footage from traffic cameras and nearby properties to trace the suspect’s movements before and after the incident.
Authorities have not disclosed the exact amount of money stolen during the robbery, but they confirm it was a “significant” amount. The store owner, who preferred not to be identified, told local reporters that this was the first time such an incident had occurred in over a decade of operating the business.
In a brief statement, Lynchburg Police reassured the public that they are treating this as a top-priority case. “We understand this is alarming, and we want the community to know we are using all available resources to identify and arrest this individual. We are thankful that no one was hurt,” said a department spokesperson.
This incident has left local residents shocked and worried. Many expressed concerns about safety, especially in the early hours when fewer people are around and response times may be slower. Some residents are now calling for increased police patrols in the area during night and early morning hours.
The Lynchburg Police Department is also reminding store owners and employees to review their security protocols. They advise businesses to ensure that security cameras are working properly, emergency buttons are accessible, and staff are trained on how to handle armed robbery situations calmly.
This case is currently under active investigation. Police are asking anyone with information about the robbery or the identity of the suspect to contact the Lynchburg Police Department at (434) 455-6041 or Crime Stoppers at (888) 798-5900. Tipsters can remain anonymous and may be eligible for a cash reward.
Lynchburg police are hopeful that with the help of the community, they will soon be able to locate and apprehend the suspect. They have assured the public that updates will be provided as more information becomes available.
As the investigation continues, residents are being asked to stay alert, report any suspicious behavior, and avoid approaching individuals they suspect may be armed or dangerous. The store has reopened since the incident, though staff remain shaken by the experience.
With rising concerns about safety, some locals say it may be time to reconsider installing more street lights and security cameras in quieter parts of town. The city has not released an official statement yet, but local councillors are reportedly reviewing public safety measures in light of this case.
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