BUFFALO, N.Y. — Town of Tonawanda Police are investigating an armed robbery that took place at Dash's Market on Colvin Boulevard near Highland Parkway Wednesday morning.
No one was hurt. Authorities are looking for a suspect described as a male with dark clothing, wearing a ski mask.
Police believe the incident may be connected to 11 other armed robberies that have taken place over the past three weeks. On each occasion, the perpetrator entered the store, displayed a handgun, and demanded money.
Lieutenant Thomas Haynes said the suspect fled on foot and said there were very few people inside the store when the robbery happened at about 6:45 a.m.
Haynes recommended if anyone finds themselves in a situation where something doesn’t feel right, or they believe a robbery is happening, do not intervene or engage. Haynes recommended to leave the scene if you’re safely able to do so, but if your safety is at risk, try to take in as much detail as you can from a safe distance.
Of the 12 robberies -- 2 On Your Side has been able to confirm 9 of the locations.
Village Kenmore: NOCO at 3085 Delaware Ave.
Town of Tonawanda: Dash's Market at 1210 Colvin Blvd.; Sunoco A-Plus at 2546 Niagara Falls Blvd.; Red Apple at 4205 Delaware Ave.; Quick Fill at 2255 Military Rd.
Amherst: Red Apple at 645 Millersport Highway
Town of Niagara: Sunoco A-Plus at 6730 Packard Rd.
Wheatfield: Matty's at 3819 Forest Park Way
Lockport: Sunoco at 5985 South Transit Rd.
Former chief of the Lancaster Police Department Gerry Gill, who is retired gives us a glimpse into what investigators will be looking at.
"They will collaborate with the affected police agencies and collect data on various characteristics, for example, geographical scope of the crimes and proximity to one another the times of the crimes and the amount of time between events," Gill said, "they will in all likelihood examine recent parole and prison releases including any local drug addicts and finally they may end up surveilling the subjects consist with the findings of their investigation."
Anyone with information is asked to call the Town of Tonawanda Police Department at 879-6613.
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