The Yakima Police Department (YPD) is seeking a suspect following an armed robbery early this morning, Monday, in the 300 block of West Mead Avenue.
The incident began at about 5:30 am this morning when a masked man with a handgun entered the Smitty’s Conoco at 304 W. Mead Ave. He confronted the store clerk and demanded money. The clerk complied and handed over the entire register drawer at the robber’s request. The suspect then exited the store and got into a waiting silver Acura Integra that was being driven by a second unknown individual.
The vehicle left the scene, but was spotted by an alert YPD officer. The vehicle fled from the officer when he attempted to stop it and a pursuit was initiated. Officers lost sight of the vehicle momentarily, but found it moments later abandoned near the intersection of 32nd Avenue and West Mead Avenue.
Officers attempted to track the suspects with a police K9, but were unsuccessful.
The suspect is described as a male about 5’10” and weighing 160 pounds. He was wearing a green bandana and purple hooded sweatshirt.
Anyone with information about this incident is urged to contact the Yakima Police Department at (509) 575-6200 or by calling 9-1-1.
Tips can be also be reported to Yakima County Crime Stoppers by phone at 1-800-248-9980, on the organization’s website at www.crimestoppersyakco.org or through the “P3 Tips” app at http://p3intel.com/mobileapp.htm that can be downloaded for free.