Would-be thieves leave store empty-handed

ROSINTON, Ala. (WALA) - The Country Convenience Store on Highway 64 in Rosington was back to business as usual Friday, but customers were still talking about what happened there Thursday morning. 

Baldwin County sheriff’s investigators released a video showing a violent smash and grab attempt about 2:20 a.m.  A green Chevrolet pick-up is seen backing into the front doors of the store, breaking the frame and sending glass flying everywhere.

“Two suspects entered the store,” said Baldwin County Sheriff’s Office Investigator Eric Winberg.  “One targeted the ATM, trying to pry it from the floor and remove it while the second suspect that entered went to the office and attempted to break into the office.  They were in and out very quickly.  I would say in under a minute.  However, you can tell by watching the video that they did spend some time in the area.”

Winberg believes the suspects cased the area for some time to see if the store was what he called a “soft” target.

 The suspects left empty handed, but not before doing over $2,000 worth of damage to the store. 

Investigators believe there could be up to four suspects involved and are hoping for the public’s help finding them.  All deputies have to go on is the make and model of the truck, which they describe as a 2003 to 2006 model green Chevy step-side with an extended cab.

“If there is damage to the truck, more than likely it’s going to be on the top of the tailgate” Winberg said. “If the truck is going down the road and the tailgate is in the up position, that may be an indication, something to look for.”

The doors at the store have been fixed and business is getting back to normal, but the store owner Patti Middleton said the damage has been more than just structural.  It’s also been difficult emotionally for some of her employees.

“The girls are scared, and you know, you always have to be aware of your surroundings and not let your guard down. But they don’t want to come in by themselves anymore, and we’ve got a lot of guys who sit on the bench, but they’re not here in the morning time that early so they’re scared,” said Middleton.

Middleton said the community has been a big help in getting things back to normal.

“I think our customers help us a lot because they’re wanting to talk about it. So I guess as you talk about it. It doesn’t seem so hard to deal with,” Middleton said.

Putting the suspects involved behind bars would certainly help.  If you have any information on who the suspects are or on the green Chevrolet pick-up you’re asked to call the Baldwin County Sheriff’s Office at (251) 972-8589 or Investigator Lee Paul at (251) 331-4587