Reward Offered In Series Of Takeover Robberies

Crimestoppers is offering a reward of $1,000 for information leading to the arrests of two men wanted in a string of takeover robberies at restaurants and auto parts stores in five Puget Sound area counties.

Police said that in the most recent robbery on Monday, the two men entered an auto parts store in Edgewood, displayed guns and demanded cash from registers and a safe. The men tied up employees, stole the cash and other goods, then fled.

Since April of last year, the pair has committed 10 similar robberies in Kitsap, Pierce, Thurston, King and Mason counties, police said.

The pair robbed a Dollar Store in Silverdale on April 16, 2008; an Auto Zone in Tacoma on July 29, 2008; a Great Clips in Port Orchard on Sept. 22, 2008; an Auto Zone on Sept. 27, 2008; an Oh Gallager's Pub in Lakewood on Nov. 14, 2008; an Arco AM/PM in Fife on Dec. 11, 2008; an Auto Zone in Lakewood on Dec. 13, 2008; a Subway in Olympia on Jan. 30, 2009; a Shuck's Auto Supply in Kent on Feb. 28, 2009 and a KFC in Shelton last month.

Both men are black, heavy-set and in their 20s.

Anyone with information is urged to call Crimestoppers at 253-591-5959.