In the wake of their 12th armed robbery this month, authorities have raised the reward for tips on two serial robbers to $5,000.
Frustrated by a lack of solid leads, Richmond County investigators said the reward money will be given to anyone with information that leads to the arrest of the two men. The previous reward was $1,000.
Investigators were busy conducting interviews Wednesday morning when they received a call that the Family Dollar at 3258 Wrightsboro Road had been robbed by two men matching the description of the serial robbers, said Richmond County sheriff's Lt. Scott Peebles.
"We've had several suspects, and we've been out all night chasing them around town," Lt. Peebles said.
"Our prime suspect is the guy we were sitting and talking to when this robbery went on," he said.
Witnesses told police a man matching the description of one of the suspects entered the store and pulled up his shirt, revealing a pistol, Lt. Peebles said.
The robber took a wad of cash from the register and ran to the corner of the building, where a second man was waiting in a silver-colored, four-door vehicle.
Lt. Peebles said that authorities are not disclosing the amount of money taken but that in most of the previous incidents it was less then $100.
"It wasn't worth life in prison," he said.
Wednesday's robbery is the latest in a string of incidents that began May 13 and has involved three counties.
Anyone with information leading to the arrest of the suspects is asked to the sheriff's office at (706) 821-1080. Callers may remain anonymous.