 |
|
|
|
 |
 |
NEW! Online Tip Submission: www.birminghamcrimestoppers.org
Crime Stoppers is asking for anonymous tips on two fresh cases. One involves a screaming suspect who was caught on tape in Hoover. The other case is a Trussville credit card theft in which the suspect is accused of trying to pawn off a television that was purchased on the victim's card.
In the Hoover case, surveillance images show a man in a red jogging suit approach the counter at a Chevron station along Lorna Road. The man pretends to be a regular customer. But as the clerk rings up his items, he pulls a gun and demands cash from both registers.
Most surveillance systems simply record pictures. But the system at this Chevron actually recorded the suspect's voice.
"Shut up! Get down! Get down! Get down! Stop right there! Freeze!" the suspect demanded of the clerk. "Open that up! Get up! Get up!" he screamed.
Detectives need someone who sees the video to tell them who the man is. Or if someone recognizes him and knows his whereabouts, they are also encouraged to call Crime Stoppers. "When you put that voice with that face, and you think that's that person, give us a call," Birmingham Detective James Lewis urged.
Calls to Crime Stoppers remain anonymous. Detectives do not ask for callers' names, and Caller ID is never used. Also, Crime Stoppers does not call suspects to court to testify.
Tipsters are given code numbers when they call. If their information is the first to lead to an arrest, the tipster qualifies for a cash reward. The caller simply calls Crime Stoppers back and provides the code number in order to secure the cash.
Detectives also need calls on the Trussville case.
In that case, a man is seen on surveillance slipping through a hallway outside the victim's office. Police say the man stole the victim's credit card and was shopping at a Gadsden Highway department store within an hour.
The suspect is accused of purchasing a flat-screen TV on the victim's card. Then, police say he tried to sell that TV to people on the street for cash.
"More than likely, this is going to be drug related, and these habits make people violent," Jefferson County Sgt. Bill Musgrove warned. "He needs some help, and we need to keep people away from him."
As in the Hoover case, detectives believe someone will recognize the Trussville suspect from the surveillance images. The man is seen wearing a unique shirt and distinctive sunglasses. Anonymous calls can be phoned in to Crime Stoppers around the clock.
To reach Crime Stoppers, dial (205) 254-7777. Citizens can also submit encrypted tips online by visiting www.birminghamcrimestoppers.org and following the instructions.
Crime Stoppers is a partnership between local law enforcement, the Birmingham Regional Chamber of Commerce and ABC 33/40. Together, our goal is to make our communities a safer place to live and work.
ABC 33/40 News to leave comments on news stories.