Denton police are asking for help in finding two men they believe have robbed three convenience stores at gunpoint in the past three weeks.
Detective Capt. Roger White said that surveillance video and descriptions indicate that the two worked together in the first two robberies and that one of the men worked alone in the third. He has forwarded information to Denton County Crime Stoppers, and a reward of up to $1,000 will be paid for information leading to their arrest. Also, surveillance videos of the men appear on the Denton police Facebook page.
“We believe we’re just one tip away from stopping these criminals,” White said. “We’re hoping someone has information about them and will help us get these men off the streets. We think they’ve been in those stores before and are familiar with them.”
The first robbery happened at EZ’s Smoke Shop at 416 W. Sherman Drive on May 23. Two men burst into the store at 11:24 p.m. One man had a gun and they demanded cash from the register and cigarettes. They left on foot.
A week later, again on a Wednesday night just before closing, the same two men ran into S&B Convenience Store — across the street from the first store — at 1918 N. Carroll Blvd. Again, a handgun was shown and they demanded cash and cigarettes. That robbery occurred at 11:53 p.m.
In both cases, the gun-wielding man was described as about 6 feet tall with a thin build. The second man was described as shorter with a medium build.
Both men appeared to be 20 to 25 years old. They wore dark hooded sweatshirts with a mask across the bottom of their faces. They both appeared to be black.
On June 9 at 10:25 p.m., the taller man ran into the Howdy Doody store at 2824 N. Locust St. and pointed a handgun at the clerk. He demanded cigarettes and cash and was gone on foot in minutes. He also wore a hoodie and a mask covering his face.
“We’re asking convenience store clerks all over town to be watchful,” White said. “So far, they all have been in the north part of town, but they could strike anywhere. If you see a man acting suspiciously, acting as though he might be casing the store, don’t wait. Call police right then.”
Anyone with information that might identify the men should call Sgt. Bobby Smith at 940-349-7971 or Denton County Crime Stoppers at 1-800-388-TIPS (8477). Callers will remain anonymous.
DONNA FIELDER can be reached at 940-566-6885. Her e-mail address is dfielder@dentonrc.com .
