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Police search for person of interest in Bessemer City CVS armed robbery

BESSEMER CITY, N.C. — On Wednesday night, police are trying to track down a man who they say is a person of interest in an armed robbery at a Bessemer City CVS store.

Police told Eyewitness News how the new lead could help them make an arrest.

Officials said the video was recorded two days before the robbery.

During the video, the man walks into the CVS in Bessemer City, speaks to the clerk and walks out.

Police believe he may know something about the man in the hoodie, wearing a gorilla mask and holding a big gun.

The robber held up the store last Wednesday while customers were at the pharmacy in the back unaware of the crime.

Eyewitness News showed the pictures of the robber to shopper Linda Gerber.

"I hope to god they catch him," she said.

Gerber said she will be more vigilant.

"I carry my cane so anyone that comes near me, I will swat them," said Gerber.

Bessemer City police asked the clerks if they noticed anyone who seemed unusual or suspicious in the days leading up to the robbery.

Clerks pointed out a man who got out of the passenger seat of a four-door Chevrolet.

"He is not charged with anything. We just want to talk to him and clear his name," said Detective David James with the Bessemer City Police Department.

Police hope he can help them find the robber.

In the video, the man can be seen cursing and barking at the clerks to quickly give him money.

The clerks said on the way out he tells them he knows he is on video, but he did not hurt anyone.

"Even if he would have had an accidental discharged or someone 'bing' like that it could have struck someone," said James.

Bessemer City Police said anyone who knows anything about either of the two persons of interest to call police.

Eyewitness News went inside the CVS to see if they have added more security or made any changes since the robbery.

The manager told Eyewitness News that she cannot comment on that.