NEWPORT — Detectives with the Vermont State Police say they are working to determine whether any of the five cases of armed robberies across the Northeast Kingdom since late last year are connected.
No injuries have been reported, but each incident is a dangerous and potentially life-threatening situation for everyone involved.
Family Dollar, Orleans
On Dec. 1, 2020, the police started investigating an armed robbery at the Family Dollar located on Main Street in Orleans.
At 9:15 p.m., an individual entered the Family Dollar, displayed a weapon, and demanded money.
The individual was described as a thin white male approximately 6 feet tall and was wearing a dark-colored sweatshirt and black pants.
The man’s face was concealed by a black facemask.
He left the store with an undisclosed amount of money and was seen traveling on foot toward South Avenue.
A photo of the vehicle used has surfaced but no photo of the suspect is currently available.
Subway, Orleans
On Jan. 7, 2021, witnesses told police that a male entered the store at about 6:10 p.m. stating he had a firearm and demanded money from the register.
The man removed an undisclosed amount of money from the register and fled the store on foot toward South Street.
He was described as tall and thin and had a mask covering his face. It appears the suspect wore a wig during the robbery.
TD Bank, Barton
Police say the initial investigation revealed a single unknown male entered the bank at about 6 p.m. on February 4, 2021, demanding money from the tellers and threatening the use of a weapon.
The man took an undisclosed amount of cash from the bank and left the scene on foot heading north on Main Street.
The suspect is described as a 5’8” to 5’10” man probably Caucasian with an average build.
Dollar General, North Troy
At about 9 p.m. on March 30, 2021, police were advised of an attempted armed robbery at the Dollar General in Troy.
It was reported that a white male entered the store, displayed a weapon, and demanded money.
The man then fled the scene without being given money by the clerk.
The suspect is described as a tall and skinny white male about 6 feet in height.
North Country Federal Credit Union, Orleans
On April 19, 2021, police responded to a bank robbery at the North Country Federal Credit Union at 12 Main Street in Orleans.
Investigation revealed a man dressed in dark clothing robbed the credit union, during which time he brandished a firearm.
The male was then seen leaving the bank on foot on Maple Street before stealing a bicycle and subsequently being picked up by a vehicle on River Road that then continued north on River Road.
The suspect is described as a white male, about 5’5” to 5’6” with a slender build.
