LINCOLN PARK – An armed but apologetic robber waited patiently before pointing a gun at a Fashion Bug sales clerk.
“I’m sorry,” he reportedly said. “But I’m going to ask you to open up the register.”
As she opened the cash register, he explained: “Hard times.”
The store manager told Lincoln Park Police she observed the suspect, who made off with an estimated $400, in the store at 3622 Fort St. around 5:30 p.m. Sunday, June 12. A thin, white male of medium height wearing a gray hooded sweatshirt and tan shorts, lingered near the women’s jewelry while other customers were at the register.
Due to his general demeanor and appearance, with a hood obscuring much of his face, the manager approached the man to ask if he needed help. He apologized, and showed her a dark brown handgun, possibly a revolver, and directed her to open the cash register.
The suspect withdrew the currency, then asked her to open the safe and another nearby register before running with the money from the business toward the Lincoln Park Credit Union building at the rear of the lot. The manager did not see if the man jumped the plaza wall, escaped in a vehicle or continued on foot.
Witnesses provided a description of the suspect and the investigation continues.
– James Mitchell