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.
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