Burleson Wal-mart robbery similar to other crimes

[TexasStooge]

By KARIN KELLY / WFAA ABC 8

BURLESON, Texas - An armed robbery at a Burleson Wal-Mart on Monday may be linked to similar crimes in Dallas and Plano, and other cities in Texas and California.

Police stepped up patrols at the store and others in the area Tuesday after what they characterized as a "well-planned" attack. The armed robber sprayed at least six customers with mace, along with the armored truck worker, who had just picked up a bag of cash.

Burleson police are now working closely with the FBI. Agents said this type of armed robbery has worked before, and believe the suspects have strong ties to North Texas.

Wal-Mart shoppers returned to the store Tuesday, but were wary after Monday's incident, in which a total of 22 people required medical attention. Six customers were hospitalized with breathing difficulties.

"A lot of people think the worst," said Burleson Police Sgt. Chris Havens. "Some commented that they were under a biological attack."

But it was a different attack, which targeted the driver's assistant for an armored truck. The suspect in a blond wig and glasses sprayed the Loomis the assistant with mace, flashed a gun and stole the store's money. That's when the suspect ran through the store to a predetermined exit where a waiting vehicle picked him up.

FBI officials said they believe they can identify the suspect. He's wanted for four other similar robberies, including one at a San Antonio grocery store earlier this year, where he also sprayed customers with the blinding pepper spray. There were also attacks at a Fiesta grocery in Dallas last December, at a Home Depot in Plano, and a California store where the armored truck runner was killed.

Havens said his department and the FBI are cooperating in the investigation. They hope to find clues in the getaway van, which was located in a field about 7 miles from the Wal-Mart.

"No one really thinks a crime like this would strike Burleson twice in the same season. But police have responded by increasing patrols around shopping areas like Wal-Mart

"It is kind of surprising that it would happen ... in Burleson, of all places," said one shopper.

Said another, "It doesn't really make me anxious today."

[Josephine96]

Scary scene if the store gets robbed.. Hope it never happens to me when I'm working..