Man charged in two robberies at South End Publix

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Police have arrested a man accused in two robberies at the Publix grocery store in South End.

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Investigators told Channel 9 that John Moore, 55, walked into the Publix on South Boulevard on Monday morning, implied he had a weapon and stole money.

Officers said Moore had also entered the business a week earlier around 8 p.m. They said he approached employees while holding a gun and demanded money.

“I wouldn’t expect it. I never would expect it to happen here," shopper Brandon Arrington said. "It’s malicious, preying on individuals coming in to get their groceries.”

Detectives arrested Moore at his home Wednesday. He’s charged with two counts of robbery with a dangerous weapon.

"I’m the kind of person that trusts people and I don’t expect this to happen,” shopper Sandra Herron said.

"You think you’re safe, just walking from your home, but if people are getting robbed, that’s sad,” shopper Laura Schoenig said.

Channel 9 dug through criminal records and found Moore has a rap sheet listing violent crimes, including assault with a deadly weapon on a government officer and felony breaking and entering.

Moore served six years in jail and was released in 1989.

On Thursday, Moore faced a judge on the new robbery charges that could send him back to jail.

“It’s sad some people go that way, but you have to be careful, especially this time of the year,” Herron said.

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