Police Investigate Two Robberies

Columbia police were investigating two armed robberies at convenience stores Monday night. Officers were initially called to the Phillips 66 Petromart on West Ash Street around 10:30 p.m. The Highway Patrol and Boone County Sherriff’s Department were also at the scene with the K-9 unit investigating. Sergeants at the scene confirmed to ABC 17 News at least one suspect came into the store, displayed a handgun, and demanded money. He fled the scene with an undisclosed amount of cash. Two clerks and a customer were inside at the time, but there were no injuries. Police described the suspect as a black male, about 5’9″, a thin to average build last seen wearing a ski mask, dark hooded sweatshirt and jeans. He may be driving a gray sedan with darkly tinted windows. While police were still on the scene investigating, a second armed robbery occurred at the Midwest Petroleum on Paris Road around 11 p.m. In that incident, two men walked in, each armed with a handgun, and demanded money. They took the money and fled on foot southeast toward Mexico Gravel Road. One suspect is a black male, between 17-19 years old wearing a dark-colored coat and jeans. The other suspect is a white male in his early 20’s, also wearing a dark-colored coat and jeans.If you have information on either robbery or the suspects, call CrimeStoppers at 875-8477.Stay with ABC 17 News and ABC17News.com for updates.