NEWS RELEASE

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE August 28, 1998

SHOT FIRED IN ARMED ROBBERY OF

CARY CINEMA

CARY -- A reward of up to $2,500 is being offered for help in solving 12 cases of armed robbery, the most recent of which occurred last night when an armed man fired on and robbed the Carmike Waverly 6 cinema off Tryon Road in Cary. Officials believe this case is related to similar cases in Cary and surrounding jurisdictions. Cary Crimestoppers, in cooperation with the Town of Cary, will pay up to $2,500 for information leading to the identification and apprehension of those individuals responsible for these crimes.

Around 9:45 PM Thursday, a man confronted the cinema’s box office clerk at gunpoint and robbed the ticket office as well as the concessions area. Employees outside and in other parts of the building witnessed the event and pursued the gunman on foot as he exited the building. The gunman fired one shot at them, the bullet missing the employees and becoming lodged in an unoccupied vehicle in the parking lot. The gunman escaped.

"We have been concerned all along about the escalating violence used by these suspects," said Cary Police Lt. Steve Lee. "We now know that this particular suspect who has shown aggressive tendencies before will not hesitate to use a weapon."

Since April 21, Cary Police have been investigating the 12 cases which have occurred throughout the town at area businesses including Subway, Hungry Howies, Pizza Hut, Carbonated Video, and Blockbuster Video. Police are also investigating one case of attempted armed robbery believed to have been committed by the same team which has made off with an undisclosed amount of money. In each incident, the suspects struck in the evening near closing time, usually between 9:00 PM and 11:00 PM. In almost every case, two locations in different parts of town were robbed in the same night.

Cary Police are looking for two black male suspects. One is 22-30 years old, about 6’, 170-180 lbs. He usually wears dark clothing and covers his face with a blue bandanna with a toboggan on his head. The other suspect is 20-30 years old, also about 6’, and around 200 lbs. He usually wears a full ski mask with a single hole for his eyes and nose. He has worn glasses on one occasion. One suspect is very calm and polite while the other is aggressive. Two vehicles may also be linked to the crimes: a dark green or blue Mitsubishi Gallant, and a teal blue/green late 1980’s model Chevrolet Camaro.

"These people are very dangerous," said Lee. "Anyone who comes in contact with them should cooperate. Do not challenge or confront them."

Anyone with information may contact Crimestoppers at 460-INFO (460-4636) or Lt. Steve Lee, Cary PD Criminal Investigations, at 469-4017. All calls will be kept CONFIDENTIAL at caller's request.

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PRIMARY CONTACTS: Lt. Steve Lee, Criminal Investigations, 469-4017

Ben Shivar, Assistant Town Manager, 469-4003

Susan Moran, Public Information Officer, 460-4951