Clerks robbed at gunpoint
By Elizabeth Billips Associate Editor

A masked gunman robbed two Keysville clerks at gunpoint.

The clerks were preparing to close Keysville Community Store around 9:30 p.m. Wednesday when a thin black male came in pointing a revolver.

The robber put his fingers over his lips, said "shhhh" to the clerk at the register and asked if anyone else was in the store, according to a report filed at the Burke County Sheriff's Office.

When the other clerk stepped around the corner, he ordered her to stop and put her hands in the air.

After demanding the cash register be emptied, the robber fled on foot with two paper bags full of money.

According to Sgt. Dedric Smith, investigators believe the robbery could be connected to a July 29 armed robbery approximately 10 miles away.

In that case, a similarly described male robbed a convenience store owner when she pulled into the garage of her Farmers Bridge Road home.

"There are some similarities," Sgt. Smith said.

Deputies and GBI agents are looking for a thin, black male between the ages of 18 and 25. On the night of the robbery, he was wearing a dark sweater, blue jeans and a blue ski mask.

The ski mask was recovered and is being processed for evidence.

Anyone with information regarding either case is asked to call investigators at 706-554- 2133. Callers may remain anonymous.