This browser does not support the Video element.
Tacoma Police concerned of escalating violence in 2 serial armed robbery suspects
Detectives with Tacoma Police are asking for the public's help in identifying two people suspected in seven armed robberies within the span of a week.
TACOMA, Wash. - Detectives with Tacoma Police are asking for the public's help in identifying two people suspected in seven armed robberies within the span of a week.
Police say the two suspects have worn similar clothing in all of the robberies and used a short-barreled rifle. The pair allegedly robbed six different smoke shops and attempted to rob someone using an ATM.
"These crimes aren’t happening at two in the morning, or three in the morning. These are happening during daylight hours," said Officer Wendy Haddow with the Tacoma Police Department.
On Monday, the armed robbers hit three different spots in less than three hours.
Police say the suspects attempted to rob someone at an ATM, then robbed two separate smoke shop businesses in about thirty minutes.
In both of the smoke shop robberies, police say the suspect hit the employees in the head with their gun. One of the employees had to go to the hospital because of the assault.
"We're very concerned," said Haddow.
Police say they want to get the word out about these attacks before someone is killed.
"The escalation on the quantity of crimes, the upscale in violence, we're putting everything out there hoping someone can identify these two suspects," said Haddow.
The suspects are believed to be responsible for robberies at the following locations:
- February 14, 1:28 p.m. – 9300 block of South Steele Street
- February 16, 5:42 p.m. – 800 72 Street East (PCSO)
- February 18, 12:11 p.m. – 8800 block of Pacific Avenue
- February 18, 12:51 p.m. – 1100 block of 112 Street South (PCSO)
- February 20, 10:44 a.m. – 3600 block of 6 Avenue
- February 20, 1:16 p.m. – 4700 block of South Oakes Street
- February 20, 1:41 p.m. – 5000 block of South 56 Street
These suspects are considered armed and dangerous.
Crime Stoppers is offering a cash reward of up to $1000 for tips that lead to an arrest and charges filed.
Anyone with information regarding these suspects or any of these robberies is asked to call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS.