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Police Think Robberies May Be Connected

Police are investigating a string of armed robberies throughout the East Stroudsburg and Stroudsburg areas. In each armed robbery, police said, the suspect̵...

Police are investigating a string of armed robberies throughout the East Stroudsburg and Stroudsburg areas.

In each armed robbery, police said, the suspect's face is covered, he's carrying the same handgun and he's wearing blue latex-looking gloves.

Police believe at least three armed robberies, all happening within a week, are related.

"There may be more than one person. But we know two for sure appear to be the same actor," said Lieutenant Brian Kimmins of the Stroud Area Regional Police Department.

Police said the string of armed robberies began last Friday at the China Star Restaurant in East Stroudsburg.

In that armed robbery, the police said a customer caught the entire crime which was happening a couple feet in front of her on her cell phone,.

"She showed a lot of moxy. She was able to video tape the robbery taking place.  As the suspect is starting to leave, she puts the cell phone down so she's not observed being with a cell phone taking it.  I thought that was pretty courageous," said Lieutenant Kimmins.

If you listen to the video, you can hear the robber said, "Good job. Thank you."

Three days later, Smokin' Joe's Tobacco Shop in East Stroudsburg was hit.

Twenty-four hours after that, the Hess Gas Station in Stroudsburg was targeted.  The victim and owner of the gas station explained what happened while watching the surveillance video.

"He said, 'Give me your money.' I said, 'You're kidding.' He said, 'No, give me your money, all of it. Your personal money also," said George Palencar.

"The demeanor has been the same, in their interaction with the victims," said Lieutenant Kimmins.

Police believe whether it's one or two people responsible, the robber is each case is a man in his late teens or early 20s.

If you have any information, you are asked to call police at 570-421-6800.

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