TOLEDO, OH (Toledo News Now) - A string of armed robberies in the same part of Toledo have police searching for at least one, possibly more, armed and dangerous suspects. The most recent location to be hit was Broadway Mini Mart.
The clerk was robbed at gunpoint Tuesday May 13 night. That makes six total armed robberies in the area over the last few weeks. Police say they're still actively looking for suspects and there are a lot of similarities between some of these robberies. Until the robbers are caught, both cashiers and people who live in the area say they don't feel safe.
"Innocent people could have gotten hurt and died last night," said Alex Rivera.
"It makes me feel horrible, scared, unsafe to live here in this area," said Phyllis Stevens.
Those who live in the blocks surrounding the mini-mart say they've never seen crime sprees like this.
"I got two children. I'm afraid to let my kids come and play. My son is 12 and I'm afraid to let him walk to the store by himself," said Stevens.
Police reports show similarities between this mini-mart robbery and several others at carryout's in the area. The clerk who was working there last night when it happened is still upset and did not want to go on camera but said the men are violent. One of the suspects often grabs a cashier, points a gun at them, and demands money.
"You've got to keep aware of what goes on and who's doing what and always keep an eye on the door," said Rivera.
Residents say they're being more alert now and they're hoping police step up patrols in the area to get these guys off the streets.
"I just hope that anyone who knows anything or has any evidence or knows anybody who's been doing it, just turn them in," said Stevens.
One man was arrested Friday and connected to at least two of the six robberies. As for the rest of them, police have yet to say if they are connected. Police say cashiers have given similar descriptions. They all seem to occur around 11 p.m. and several times the suspects have fled on foot.
