Armed Kennewick Robber Gets Cash, Nicotine Fix from Convenience Store

Kennewick police are searching for the suspect after last nights' hold up.

Shortly after 9:30pm Monday, an armed man entered the Mr E's Food Mart at the corner of 4th and Union, near Highlands Middle School, and displayed a gun to the clerk.

Sgt. Ken Lattin said Tuesday the man demanded cash from the clerk, and handed them a plastic shopping bag.  While the clerk was filling the bag, the suspect boldly walked behind the counter, and grabbed 3 packs of cigarettes from a display.

He then fled Eastbound on 4th Ave. on foot. Officers arrived and set up containment and using a K-9 Unit, searched the area. The suspect was tracked around Highlands Middle School but then was lost east of the area.

The suspect is described as 16-20 years old, about 5' 7" tall, and about 150lbs.  He had dark colored hair, medium length. He was wearing dark blue basketball-style shorts with a vertical white stripe, a black baseball cap, and had a multicolored bandanna covering his face.  The incident was captured on surveillance video, Kennewick police expect to release it later today.

Anyone with information or tips about this incident is urged to call Tri-Cities Crime Stoppers at (509)-586-TIPS.  All information is confidential, and if such information leads to the apprehension of a wanted suspect, the tipper can receive a cash reward.