Police: Suspect attempted two robberies in 14 minutes

ROCKINGHAM — Rockingham police are seeking a suspect who allegedly attempted two armed robberies within 14 minutes Monday morning.

At 6:30 a.m., a suspect entered Connor Convenience on East Broad Avenue. Detective Clint Neeley with the Rockingham Police Department said that this suspect accidentally discharged their weapon twice in the course of the robbery.

The incident report states that while Officer Jan Owens was on patrol, she was stopped by a man and told “there was a guy shooting inside.”

Neeley said when the suspect entered the front door of the business, he tripped, fell, and fired a round.

When the suspect approached the cash register and pointed at it, another round was fired which apparently struck the receipt printer on the counter, causing $500 in damage.

No injuries were reported at the scene.

Shortly after, the same suspect traveled to Shiv’s Corner between County Home Road and Wiregrass Road, according to Neeley.

The exact details of the second incident aren’t clear at this time. The Richmond County Sheriff’s Office is investigating the second incident and did not respond to an email by press time Tuesday evening.

Anyone with information about the incident and the suspect is asked to contact Lieutenant Detective Steve Odom at the Rockingham Police Department at 910-895-2468. Tips can also be sent to Richmond County Crime Stoppers by calling 910-997-5454 for those who wish to remain anonymous.