Store, Restaurant, Hotel Robbed Police Say The Thefts, Which Took Place Over 5-Hour Period, Do Not Appear To Be Related

Spokane police are investigating three robberies that occurred in a five-hour span late Wednesday and early Thursday.

None of the heists appear to be related.

The first occurred about 9 p.m. Wednesday at the 7-Eleven at 2829 E. 32nd Ave., police said.

Witnesses said a heavy-set man walked to the counter and told the clerk to give him money from the register. The man implied he had a gun, police said.

He walked away after getting some cash.

Witnesses said he is a white man in his 30s, about 5 feet 9 inches tall with blond hair. He was last seen wearing a white-and-blue jacket and dark hat.

The second robbery took place about 30 minutes later at the Taco John’s restaurant at 1002 E. Wellesley.

An employee said a man walked into the store, pulled out a handgun and demanded money.

When a second worker came out of the kitchen, the robber tapped him on the head with the gun and ordered him to the floor, police said.

The man then took some money and ran.

A police dog followed his trail for several blocks before losing it, authorities said.

Witnesses said the robber was Hispanic, 18 to 20 years old, about 5 feet 8 inches tall, 160 pounds. He was last seen wearing dark clothing and a maroon scarf.

The third incident occurred about 2 a.m. Thursday at the Select Inn, 1420 E. Second.

Two men walked into the business and demanded cash. One of them said he had a gun, police said.

The two walked out of the motel and headed north after getting some money.

Witnesses said one robber was white, 25 to 30 years old, about 5 feet 11 inches tall with dark hair. The other was white, 30 to 35, about 5-foot-10, also with dark hair.

Anyone with information on any of the robberies is asked to call Crime Check at 456-2233.