x
Breaking News
More () »

Police investigating after five robberies at stores in the foothills

All five robberies happened Wednesday night and early-Thursday morning at gas stations in Catawba and Burke Counties.

RHODHISS, N.C. — Multiple law enforcement agencies in the foothills are investigating a string of robberies at five gas stations beginning Wednesday night into early-Thursday morning.

Investigators believe one man, 36-year-old Walter Scott Smith, is responsible for robbing three gas stations in Newton, East Claremont, and Conover.

Detectives said Smith did not display a weapon in any of the robberies; they said he demanded cash from the clerk.

As of Thursday night, he remains at-large.

Conover Police said late-Wednesday night, Marquise Danner, 24, robbed a separate convenience store in Conover.

Hickory Police arrested Danner following a traffic stop a few hours later.

Rhodhiss Police are also investigating an armed robbery at a convenience store across from the town hall just before 9 p.m. Wednesday.

Ahmed Khobani was working the cash register when a gunman came into the store demanding money.

"He came in, opened the door and took the gun and he said, 'Give me all of your money! Hurry up before I shoot you,'" Khobani recalled. "I'm like, 'Chill, chill, chill; here's the money,' and he [took] it and [got] out."

No one has been formally charged yet in the Rhodhiss robbery, officials say.

Popular on WCNC:

Before You Leave, Check This Out