String of armed robberies; investigators looking for possible connection

CHARLESTON COUNTY, SC (WCSC) - Investigators from the Charleston County Sheriff's Office said Tuesday they are trying to determine if some recent armed robberies in one area of Johns Island and West Ashley are related.

Charleston County Sheriff's spokesman Major Eric Watson says investigators from his agency and two others are looking at height, weight, clothing and body mannerisms to see if there's any connection to the crimes.

Since January 1, robbers have targeted stores on Savannah Highway, Main Road and Ashley River Road. The stickups started New Years Day at the Burger King on Savannah Highway near Main Road.

Deputies say around 9:30 p.m., the gunman jumped the counter, and put a gun to a manager's head.

Investigators say the manager handed over money from the cash drawer and a safe.

Last Tuesday, the sheriff's office says an armed robber hit the Dollar General Store in the 2000 block of Ashley River Road.

Deputies say just before 10 p.m., a man wearing duct tape over his face pointed a gun at an employee and demanded money.

He got away with cash from the register and safe.

Then this past Sunday night, deputies say two men held up the Circle K convenience store on Ashley River Road less than a mile away from the Dollar General that was robbed four days earlier.

The surveillance photos show two men walking into the store shortly after 11:30 p.m. Another photo shows one of the suspects lying over the counter.

Investigators say the bandits got away with cash and cigarettes.

And just last night, a man armed with a gun held up the Kangaroo gas station on Main Road.

Charleston police say the robber got away with cash and cigarettes.

Watson says North Charleston Police also are involved because their city has experienced similar robberies recently.

So far, no suspects have been identified.

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