Police investigate three robberies

By John W. Goodwin Jr.

jgoodwin@vindy.com

YOUNGSTOWN

Police are investigating three robberies that occurred in the city Tuesday and Wednesday.

According to police reports, a 20-year-old store clerk was robbed at gunpoint as he closed his North Side business early Wednesday morning.

Reports say the man closed the store in the 900 block of Belmont Avenue and was in his car pulling out of the parking lot when he was approached by two black males, both in their early 20s. One of the men pointed a gun at the clerk’s head and demanded money.

The clerk handed over a night-deposit bag, and the two men ran to a waiting small, dark foreign car.

The clerk said one of the men is a frequent customer in the store.

Police could not find either of the men.

Police also are investigating the carjacking and beating of a 34-year-old North Side woman while she was at a convenience store in the 3500 block of South Avenue just after 9:30 p.m. Tuesday.

The woman told police she walked out of the store and went to her 1999 green Pontiac Montana minivan and was attacked from behind by at least three people. She was knocked to the ground and her purse and car were stolen.

The van was discovered abandoned in a field a short time later. Police said the van was damaged with gunfire, and the windows were shattered.

A 38-year-old West Side woman also was robbed as she walked along Mahoning Avenue on Tuesday evening.

The woman told police she was walking home from a convenience store about 6:30 p.m. when she was approached by three male black juveniles, the youngest appearing to be about 8 years old. The woman said one of the older juveniles grabbed her purse, and all three ran off.

Police searched the area, but were unable to find the suspected juveniles.