Video shows robber holding knife to clerk’s throat at Whiteville store

UPDATE — Whiteville police say the armed robbery suspect was captured just before 10 p.m. Tuesday. See the updated story here. 

Original story:

HARDEMAN COUNTY, Tenn. — Surveillance video shows a thief rounding a grocery store counter and pressing a knife to the clerk’s throat Tuesday morning before calmly leaving with an undisclosed amount of cash.

Nobody was injured in the robbery that took place at the Gordon’s IGA-Foodland grocery store in Whiteville. Investigators describe the suspect as a white man in his 30s, and they say he took his time planning the crime.

Authorities said they’re still working to find the man seen in the surveillance video.

“This subject did canvass this store both by riding by it and by making a pass through the store before he robbed her,” Whiteville Police Chief Steven Stanley said.

The crook acted like he was buying something, then left to get his checkbook.

When he returns, he writes the check and then heads to the register with knife in hand, throwing items off the counter after taking the money. He then drives away in a black GMC Jimmy.

WBBJ spoke with the clerk’s loved ones who dropped by after the robbery. They said that she’s shaken up from the experience.

Customers said they hope authorities can use the surveillance video to help find the man who did this.

“I think it’s a shame for anybody to get out here and do something like this,” Whiteville resident Cecil Gilmer said. “It’s happening everywhere.”

Police say the man should be considered armed and dangerous.

“He physically attacked the clerk and physically put the knife to her throat,” Chief Stanley said. “We believe that he may be a drug user, and therefore he should be considered armed and dangerous.”

If you recognize the man in the video or know where he may be, call Whiteville police at 731-254-9450.