Police asking for public's help after string of S. King County businesses robbed at gunpoint

FEDERAL WAY, Wash. — A string of armed robberies at gas stations and convenience stores in South King County may all be related.

The latest robbery was at the Safeway on 336th Street in Federal Way. Three suspects robbed employees at gunpoint just after midnight.

Surveillance video from the Pit Stop/76 in Pacific shows three men jumping over the counter and demanding cash at gunpoint. That robbery happened last Thursday, Nov 1.

Store #robbed at gunpoint in under 30 seconds. 😠😧

This is at the Pit Stop/ 76 in #Pacific. Now investigators believe these three young men could be tied to *TEN* armed robberies over the last 2 months in #FederalWay & Pacific. Call PD if you have info! @KIRO7Seattle pic.twitter.com/yFfELZ73S7

Investigators say about 10 businesses were robbed between Sept. 18 and Nov. 7.

Michelle Russell manages the Pit Stop.

“They ran in and first two in jumped the front counter like it was no big deal,” Russell said. “There were three of them, they all had guns, held her at gunpoint. They stole both tills, the whole entire till. And they were in and out within 29 seconds,” Russell said.

“I've been here 17 years and we've never been robbed,” she said, tearing up.

They're just one of about ten businesses hit in the past six weeks.

Right across the street, police believe the same suspects hit the Am/Pm twice.

“The pattern of the robberies of the suspects has been the same, basically that they're masked. They generally wear heavy clothing,” said Larry Colagiovanni, Commander at Black Diamond Police Department who also heads the Coalition of Small Police Agencies Major Crimes Task Force.

He said in the October 18th robbery at the Am/Pm, a suspect pistol whipped an employee in the head several times, then kicked him in the head and stomach. The same shop was also robbed on October 8th.

“He even gave them the money and they still beat him. It’s so wrong. Absolutely wrong,” Russell said.

“I’ve lived here like my whole life just down the road and the guy that works here is a very easy going person. It was kind of heartbreaking to hear he got his face kicked in,” said Shayne Gillis, an Am/Pm customer.

The string of armed robberies targeted businesses from Pacific to Federal Way.

In Federal Way, the targeted businesses include the Safeway, two 7-Elevens, two Chevrons, and a motel.

Police say the suspects are in their late teens to early 20's.

“They’ll get them. Our officers are watching us,” Michelle said.

One juvenile was arrested from the latest robbery at Safeway. Police say an officer chased the suspect, and eventually a K-9 team found him.

Two other suspects got away.

Now police are asking you to think back  and try to remember if you've noticed anything unusual -- like someone coming back with a lot of cash or suspicious cars with three young men inside. If you have, you’re asked to call police.

Cox Media Group