Police hopeful evidence collected in Connellsville armed robberies will lead to arrests
Connellsville officials are hoping evidence left behind during a string of armed robberies will lead to a quick arrest.
“We’re hopeful that we can make an arrest soon so that the community will no longer be on pins and needles,” said Connellsville Mayor Greg Lincoln. “Everyone in the community is on edge right now.”
Since Sunday afternoon, he said there have been four armed robberies and one attempted robbery. One of those occurred in nearby Dunbar Township.
Thursday night, one armed man attempted to rob Sunoco gas station on McCormick Avenue. He was unable to get inside, and police were called, Lincoln said.
Police chased the suspect on foot, and another robbery was reported at Vona’s Dairy Bar on East Crawford Avenue.
“They found out he had a partner in crime and they had a getaway car,” Lincoln said.
The suspects ditched the car, which was impounded and taken into evidence. Police also collected a gun and a weapon, which they believe were dropped by suspects.
Lincoln said there are two suspects in the case. He said officials believe the Connellsville and Dunbar Township robberies are connected, but did not believe the suspects were involved in a robbery at Breakneck Market in Bullskin Township Jan. 22.
He said suspects were successful in robbing the McCormick Avenue Sunoco Jan. 22, and then proceeded to rob the Marathon gas station on State Route 119 in Dunbar Township and the Honey Bear gas station on State Route 711.
“It’s a very active investigation now that they were able to recover a bunch of evidence last night,” Lincoln said. “Hopefully this will lead to the arrest of some suspects very soon.”