Police responded to two different crimes today that occurred just a short distance away from each other at about the same time.
Officers were called to an armed robbery at Ivan Smith Furniture, located at Jewella and Ninock. One black male suspect entered the store, pointed a gun at the employee and demanded money. After receiving the cash, he left the store on foot, headed toward Ninock.
At about the same time, four people reportedly shoplifted clothing from City Trend, which is located a short distance from the furniture store.
One of the suspect descriptions in the shoplifting case was similar to that of the armed robber. When officers began canvassing the area for the robbery suspect, they located the shoplifting suspect.
Police K-9 Units tracked two other shoplifting suspects into a thick, wooded area where they were found hiding in a drainage ditch.
The suspects taken into custody were two females and one male. All were juveniles and face felony theft charges.
Meanwhile, police continue to search for the armed robbery suspect. He is described as 5'8" tall, wearing black jeans and a dark shirt. His hair was pulled back into a thick pony tail.
It is unknown if these two cases are related. If anyone has information on this case, call detectives at 673-6955 or Crime Stoppers at 673-7000.