Robber hides in businesses before attacking

CHARLOTTE, NC-- Charlotte Mecklenburg police are tracking a robber who used a vacant storefront to break into a check cashing store adjacent.

They believe he may have been involved in at least two other robberies.

It is a scary crime, especially for the clerks, or managers who are opening up those stores in the morning.

The most recent incident happened Friday morning at an Ace Check Express at W.T. Harris Boulevard and Hickory Grove Road. The crook broke a window in an empty storefront, and then broke through a wall inside to get into the check cashing store. When the clerk at Ace Cash Express showed up, he was inside waiting with a gun.

The clerk was able to hit a panic button, and police were nearby, so the robber was scared off before he got any cash or hurt anyone. He did get away despite a search with dogs and a police helicopter.

Police say this same crook may be behind a robbery two weeks ago at a Cititrends clothing store on Freedom Drive. The clerk told NewsChannel 36 she was held up in much the same way. Another robbery at CitiFinancial on South Boulevard Thursday matches the trend as well. 

Investigators aren’t sure yet if they have a serial robber, a copycat, or a coincidence. CitiFinancial reported two men were involved. One was wearing a Minnesota Vikings jersey. The other was wearing khakis and a white button-down shirt.