Police are trying to identify the man who robbed two Charlotte businesses in less than 24 hours

CHARLOTTE, NC (WBTV) — Detectives from the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department are trying to identify a man suspected of robbing two businesses in 24 hours earlier this week.

The first crime occurred Monday evening around 8:30 p.m. at the Walgreens store located in the 2200 block of West Arrowood Road in southwest Charlotte.

“A suspect walked into the Walgreens, pointed a handgun at the employee and demanded cigarettes and money,” said Constable Rick Smith, CMPD Crime Stoppers Coordinator.

Surveillance footage from inside the store shows the suspect at the checkout. The man quickly pulls a gun out of his jacket and begins issuing orders, pointing the gun directly at the employees.

Surveillance video shows the man running up and down the store counter. At one point, the man can be seen reaching the counter with his gun pointed at one of the employees.

“It’s very disturbing. Any time a handgun is pointed at an individual it can be very dangerous,” Smith said.

This isn’t the first time this southwest Charlotte Walgreens has been targeted by criminals. In November last year, a man walked into the store with a child and passed an employee a note asking for money. He ended up leaving the company without getting anything.

Smith said the man who targeted the store on Monday night got the money and the cigarettes he came for and left the business. He said he doesn’t think there is anything specific that drives criminals to target Walgreens.

“I don’t think it’s anything specific. I think he may have taken the opportunity because there was probably little foot traffic at that time of night, 8:30 p.m.,” Smith said.

The Crime Stoppers coordinator said the man who robbed the Walgreens then targeted a Sally Beauty Supply store on Tuesday morning.

“We don’t think this is his first time. We don’t think this is his last time, but we really want to catch him before he strikes again,” the coordinator said. “If you keep making them, someone is going to recognize you and tip me.”

Anyone with information about the thefts is asked to call Crime Stoppers at 704-334-1600. Tipsters can remain anonymous and they can receive a cash reward if they have information that leads to an arrest. Community members can also submit crime tips through the P3 Tips app.

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