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Police investigate whether 3 restaurant robberies within 24 hours are connected

By Liz Foster
By Liz Foster

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Detectives in the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department are trying to determine whether armed robberies at three restaurants within 24 hours are connected.

An employee at the Cookout on Sardis Road North is recovering from a concussion after being pistol-whipped by a robber.

"That's pretty extreme," said customer Michelle Rausch.

The worker was taking out the trash around 5 a.m Sunday when a man hit him in the head with a gun and forced him back into the restaurant, where he demanded money.

"As soon as our employee walked out the door, he (sneaked) up behind him and hit him within three steps of the door," said Jason Wright, manager of the Cookout.

A co-worker jumped in his car and followed the accused robber's silver Chevy Impala. Investigators said the robber fired shots at the co-worker who wasn't hurt.

Detectives said a robber entered the Bojangles on North Tryon Street at 28th Street about 13 hours later.

The man showed a gun, demanded money and fled in an unknown direction, police said.

Police released a surveillance picture of the accused robber who is described as a black man with a thin build and shoulder-length dreadlocks. He was last seen wearing a blue hooded jacket and black pants.

(Surveillance picture of robbery at Bojangles on North Tryon Street)

Police are also investigating a robbery Monday morning at a Bojangles on Old Statesville Road. Officers said two armed robbers held up employees as they were opening the restaurant.

"It's a shame, but I think everybody's awareness level should go up quite a bit this time of year," said resident Andy Hileman.

Police have not arrested anyone in connection with the crimes.

Anyone with information is asked to call Crime Stoppers at 704-334-1600.

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