Investigators: Hickory-area robberies may be linked

CATAWBA COUNTY, N.C. — Armed robbers are on the loose after holding up the Ronald’s Superette convenience store at about 10 p.m. Saturday in Catawba County.

Investigators said this robbery could be connected to others in the Hickory area.

One of the gunman pointed a gun to the back of Roland Miller’s head at Ronald’s Superette and forced him to the floor.

Miller, a U.S. Army veteran, wanted to fight back but fought the urge because of the other people inside the store.

"If I did he would have most likely have pulled the trigger,” he said. “He had a deep tone in his voice and I could tell, I was clearly convinced he was serious."

Tammy Yount works at Ronald's Superette and, like many clerks, is nervous especially around closing time.

That's when police have responded to cases in which a gunman not only steals cash from the store but also tries to take the clerk's car and cellphone.
 
"Your life is more important than the money," Yount said. "Always give them the money first because you don't ever know. They could still shoot you anyway."
 
The store has printed the surveillance photos hoping someone recognizes the men, who were wearing bandannas.
 
"It's chilling to know that could possible happen and my kids are always with me and it's unruly that someone could have the audacity to do something like that," customer Christina Houston said.
 
Catawba County Sheriff's Office investigators said they are working with police in Hickory where there have been other cases.  
 
They are also stepping up patrols around the businesses, especially around closing time.

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