Armed robber holds up BP station

BAYOU LA BATRE, Ala. - Bayou La Batre Police need your help finding an armed robber. The suspect held up a clerk at a gas station convenience store. The crime happened around 6 o'clock Tuesday during the early evening rush.

Police said what began as a routine purchase ended as a violent crime. Police believe the suspect, dressed in a hat, sunglasses and long sleeve red shirt cased out the BP Gas Station on Wintzell Avenue.

"The suspect walked in. He was the only one inside the store at the time, him and the cashier from last night. He walks in, walks up to the counter and asks for a pack of cigarettes," Sgt. Jason Edwards said.

The man takes the cigarettes given and puts them away. As the cashier opens the register to give him change, the suspect pulls out a handgun, sticks it in the clerk's face, and demands money.

"She stated to us, 'He said don't look at me. Don't talk to me. Just fill the bag full of money and there won't be any problems.' So she complied and put the money from the register in a plastic bag," Edwards added.

Police said the robber walked out of the store still on his cell phone, possibly on a call with someone who was waiting for him.

"We had a witness outside that stated she saw the man leave the store and walk behind a wooden privacy fence next to the BP station. But couldn't tell which direction he went," Edwards said.

After the clerk pressed the panic button, police responded but were unable to find the suspect. They said violent crimes like this are becoming more common.

"This is the second time in six months the BP had been robbed, armed robbery. Last time they actually shot the gun inside the store hitting the Subway that used to be located inside the store," added Edwards.

Those suspects were caught.

Now police hope you can recognize this man before he strikes again.

If have any information about this robbery, call Bayou La Batre Police.