Suspect in Cape Girardeau convenience store robbery still at large

Cape Girardeau police are searching for an armed robber who took an undisclosed amount of cash from the ampm gas station at 1101 William St.

Three police cruisers responded to the scene at 10:28 a.m. Monday, shortly after store employees reported the robbery, though the number of police cruisers reached as many as eight at one point.

Cape Girardeau police Sgt. Barry Hovis said the suspect discharged a pellet gun and took a drawer filled with cash. No one inside the store was injured.

Police were searching for the suspect, who they said fled south on Hanover Street in a long black car with red stripes and tinted windows. The suspect was described as a tall, thin black male.

"This is a high traffic area," said Cape Girardeau police Cpl. Jason Selzer. "We have had incidents like this before but nothing around here lately."

Shortly after the robbery occurred, a Chevy Town and Country van driven by a male crashed into the right bumper of a police cruiser near the intersection of Sprigg and William streets. The accident occurred as the police cruiser was on its way to the scene.

Anyone with information about the robbery is encouraged to contact the Cape Girardeau Police Department at 335-6621 or CrimeStoppers at 332-0500.

bblackwell@semissourian.com

388-3628