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Crimestoppers 11-3: Shotgun up the Sleeve
These cases have all the ingredients of a basic robbery. The robber's face is covered. He demands cash. He has a bag for the money.
But what makes these cases stand out is the weapon of choice.
Surveillance video shows three recent robberies in which the suspect had shoved what appears to be a sawed-off shotgun up his right sleeve. As the suspect points his arm around the stores, he's actually pointing his shotgun at clerks and demanding money.
While the suspect's face is not seen, police believe it could be the same man in all three crimes. The cases come from Homewood and Hueytown. The armed robberies have occurred over the last few weeks.
"You don't know whether he has his hand on the trigger or not. All you saw was a gun," Crime Stoppers Sergeant James Lewis said. "So the clerk did just right not to panic and to comply with what he needed."
In the Homewood case, the man got money from an ABC liquor store.
In the Hueytown cases, the man struck both Quizno's and Subway restaurants.
"What he went in and did, and the lives he put in danger, none of it's worth it," Hueytown Detective Michael Shupe said. "There's not an amount of money worth any of it."
Crime Stoppers is asking for anonymous tips to help detectives identify, and locate, the suspect(s). Both the Homewood and Hueytown cases come complete with a snapshot of the suspect's car. In both cases, the car appears to be a green sedan, possibly a Nissan Altima or Toyota Camry.
"Hopefully, you can give us the information that will get him off the street," Lewis said. "Because if not, he's going to do it again."
Anyone with information can contact Crime Stoppers at (205) 254-7777. Detectives will give you a private code number when you call, meaning you will never be asked for your name. If an arrest is made, you then use the code number to claim your cash reward.
Encrypted tips can be sent online by going to www.birminghamcrimestoppers.org and clicking on the "submit an online tip" link.
Since tipsters remain anonymous, Crime Stoppers cannot call them to court to testify.
Crime Stoppers is a partnership between local law enforcement, the Birmingham Business Alliance and ABC 33/40. Together, our goal is to make our community a safer place to live and work.
read more stories in Crimestoppers
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