Hickory police investigate 2 attempted armed robberies

HICKORY, N.C. — Police in Hickory are investigating two robbery attempts that took place in the Hickory area last week.

Investigators told Channel 9′s Dave Faherty that a suspect robbed the Propst Superette on Mount Olive Church Road on Friday, which is just east of Newton. He held the clerk at gunpoint, forcing them to hand over money, police said.

Deputies say dogs tracked the suspect to the church behind the store. The clerk was not hurt during the robbery.

“Maybe if the laws were more strict and there were more penalties involved, it might discourage people especially young people from doing things,” customer Linda Beard told Faherty.

Two men with armed a gun showed up at the Dollar General in Hickory trying to get inside shortly after the store closed. Investigators say they never got inside Thursday night.

“There are so many jobs available I really don’t understand being that desperate,” said customer Heather Grier. “There is no excuse. There’s too many ways in this world to make money.”

Police aren’t sure if the two cases are connected.

Police have a vague description of the suspect in the Dollar General robbery because the suspect was dressed in all black and was wearing a mask.

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