Binghamton Store Owner Thought Robber Was Joking, Then He Saw Gun
Police are looking for a man who displayed a gun during a robbery at a convenience store on Binghamton's West Side.
Authorities say the heist happened at the business at 341 Main Street around 8:30 p.m. Monday.
The owner of A&N Mart said the robber at first walked around the store before approaching the counter holding a black plastic shopping bag in a way suggesting he had a weapon.
The man then said "Give me money!" The owner said he believed the man was joking but he took him seriously when he saw a gun that had been concealed in the bag.
The store owner said he gave the man about $100 and he fled the area on foot, crossing Floral Avenue and heading west.
The convenience store opened about three weeks ago.
Police say the suspect was described as a black man between 45 and 50 years old; 5-feet, 6-inches tall; heavy build. He was wearing a dark-colored jacket and a dark-colored winter cap. His face was covered with a mask.
People with information about the incident may contact the Binghamton police detective division at (607) 772-7080.
Contact WNBF News reporter Bob Joseph: bob@wnbf.com. For breaking news and updates on developing stories, follow @BinghamtonNow on Twitter.