Petersburg Police Chief advises caution over knife robberies

“Over the past month Petersburg has had five incidents (see here and here, last entry of comment 7) in which a male wearing a mask or bandanna and armed with a knife has robbed or tried to rob females as they were leaving home or coming home,” said Petersburg Police Chief John I. Dixon III. […]

October 29, 2008; 9:21 AM • by brenda p

“Over the past month Petersburg has had five incidents (see here and here, last entry of comment 7) in which a male wearing a mask or bandanna and armed with a knife has robbed or tried to rob females as they were leaving home or coming home,” said Petersburg Police Chief John I. Dixon III. “We are not certain that it is the same individual in all the cases, but there are similarities which lead us to think they are all related.”

In each of the robberies, a suspect approached a female in the morning or evening hours as she approached or left her residence, then produced a knife and demanded money.

The suspect is described as a black male, in his 20s, with a slender build. The height description varies slightly with a range of 5’7’ to 6’0”. Some victims have described the suspect as having a light to medium complexion, while others report a medium to dark complexion. The clothing description has ranged from dark pants, or dark baggy pants, and in some cases a white shirt, in others a gray sweater, and in another a gray plaid shirt with blue pattern. The robber wears a mask described as covering the bottom half of his face. This mask has been constructed from either a gray long-johns top, a black or dark T-shirt with holes cut in it, or a bandanna.

Chief Dixon stated that he is stepping up the increased police presence that he has already directed into the area, and is asking the public for help.

“We arrested a suspect trying to break into a home ten days ago,” said Chief Dixon, “but we want to make sure everyone is aware that the robberies have not stopped.”

“We are asking everyone to report any suspicious persons near their homes, particularly in the morning and at night. Also, we want to advise everyone, particularly women, to take precautions to prevent becoming a victim. Look around when you are getting ready to go out in the morning or evening, and do same when you come home. If anything or anyone seems suspicious, stop and call 911.”

Anyone with any information about this series of crimes can confidentially call Crime Solvers at 861-1212. If you are out and you need a police escort, call the nonemergency number at 732-4222.

October 29, 2008 9:21 AM 0