Hastings armed robbery reported

Media Relations Officer Kevin Kelshaw reported to Historic City News today that on Monday evening at 9:20 p.m. deputies responded to the scene of an armed robbery at the Dollar General Store in the 100 block of North Main Street, Hastings.

The two female clerks, ages 31 & 33, stated that the man came into the store and approached the younger victim. He pushed her down several times, grabbed her from behind and put a handgun to her head.

The suspect then began to drag the victim down the aisle when the other employee came from the rear of the store.

The suspect continued to drag the victim down then aisle while demanding all of the cash from the register. The other victim went to the register and emptied the money into a store bag. The suspect released the other victim, grabbed the bag of money and fled on foot out the front door.

The suspect was described as a black male, unknown age, 5’8” tall, 160 pounds and wearing a large gray hoodie, jean shorts, black tennis shoes, white socks and a red bandana covering his face.

Additional deputies responded including a K-9 unit that tracked the suspect to the end of Park Ave. where the scent ended.

Several articles of clothing were located in various areas near the store and were submitted as evidence.

Violent Crimes Section detectives are continuing the investigation today. Anyone with any information concerning this suspect is asked to contact the St. Johns County Sheriff’s Office at (904) 824-8304. You can also remain anonymous and possibly be eligible for a cash reward by calling CrimeStoppers at 1-(888) 277-TIPS (8477).