According to Maplewood Police Chief James DeVaul, a guy entered a QuickChek grocery store just after midnight, requested a pack of smokes, and stated that he had a pistol.
At 12:10 a.m., police got a 911 call from the market at 1545 Springfield Ave., according to police.
According to a store clerk, an unknown guy entered the store and appeared to wait until all other customers had completed their purchases and left before leaving. The man then requested a carton of cigarettes, according to the clerk.
According to authorities, the staff placed ten packets of cigarettes on the counter and asked the customer if he wanted to pay with cash or credit.
The individual “”I have a pistol,” he stated, motioning to his hoodie. Please hand over the smokes to me “based on what the employee told the cops
According to authorities, the victim put the $100 worth of smokes in a brown paper bag and delivered them to the guy.
“If you contact the cops, I’ll come back and shoot you,” the guy stated to the employee, according to police.
The man was 40 years old, 5’5″ tall, and had a scruff of facial hair, according to police. He was dressed in black jeans, a black hooded sweatshirt, and a light-colored face mask that he wore with the hood pulled over his head.
According to police, a male matching the description exited the business and ran eastward on Springfield Avenue around 12:03 a.m., according to video cameras.
The guy then proceeded to Jacoby Street via the Bank of America’s back parking lot.
Officers searched the area but were unable to locate the man. They stated that they are unsure if a car is involved.
The store employee turned down medical help.
Detectives are looking into the matter.
