Deputies investigate string of York County armed robberies

YORK COUNTY, S.C. — A series of armed robberies across York County in less than a week are being investigated by the York County Sheriff’s Office.

The Sheriff’s Office released surveillance videos of the robberies.

The Catawba Express on Highway 5 in Catawba, South Carolina, was robbed at gunpoint just after midnight on Friday.

Officials said the thief is believed to be a black man who wore a mask over his face with just one eye cut out. He was also wearing a gray hooded jacket and camo pants.

"That's the last thing on my mind. I just expect to be safe," York County resident Moses Masiyiwa said.

Deputies said the man was armed with a silver handgun and he ordered the clerks to “give him all the money.”

Just before 8:30 a.m. Tuesday, deputies said a black man wearing all black, with his hood over his head, robbed the Circle K on Highway 21 in Fort Mill. Deputies said he pulled out a gun and yelled to “get it out” and “this ain’t a joke.” He stole cash from the register and was seen leaving in a gold Mercury Marquis.

Around 3:30 a.m. Wednesday, deputies said three black men robbed the Waffle House on Regent Parkway in Fort Mill. Deputies said the three ordered food, and while the cook prepared the food, one man jumped over the counter with a gun and took money from the register.

The men forced the cook and waitress to the ground, robbed them, and left in a silver or gold Crown Victoria or Mercury Marquis.

"It's actually a surprise to me. I guess it's just everywhere you go," York County resident Matthew Wilson said. "You never get used to it."

The Sheriff's Office said detectives are working all angles and looking to see if these cases are connected, but currently can’t confirm it.

The Sheriff's Office is asking anyone with information to call Crime Stoppers at 1-877-409-4321 or the York County Sheriff's Office at 803-409-4321.

Cox Media Group