JPD release surveillance video from Game X Change robbery

JONESBORO, AR (KAIT) - A little more than an hour after they were called to an armed robbery on East Highland, Jonesboro police were rushing to South Caraway to investigate another.

Around 10:15 a.m. Thursday, Dec. 20, Jonesboro police received a call of a holdup at Game X Change, 2221 S. Caraway.

The suspect was described as a stocky black male last seen leaving in an SUV.

The description matches that of the person who robbed the Exxon at 2920 E. Highland around 8:30 a.m. The suspect in that case was described as a black male driving a white Nissan Pathfinder.

Tammy Cloninger was working at a nearby business she noticed something strange.

“I was going to take out the office trash which I did,” Cloninger said. “I went out the back of the building and noticed a light-colored SUV with a gentleman sitting in it. It kind of. . .it was kind of shady to me. And so, I took the trash out and hurried up and walked back into the building and locked up. I went back and sat at my desk and noticed the gentleman coming around our building, going to the next store. And it was like he was nervous and was working up the never to do whatever it was he was going to do. Then he walked back and walked back to the store. And then it took place.”

Cloninger said she was worried for her safety and everyone else’s.

“I mean I was scared,” Cloninger said. “I was shaky, I didn’t know if I was going to make it back to the building because I didn’t know what he had planned. But luckily, thank goodness, I got back to the building and noticed what I did. And I’m glad it didn’t turn out a lot worse than what it could have.”

Cloninger’s coworker Caden Sheeks said he was grateful for Cloninger being so oberservant.

“Safety is number one,” Sheeks said. “Especially around the holiday time. I mean, people get desperate. We’ve all been there. You never know what somebody’s going to do or what they’re capable of doing. It’s just very important to be observant. Be aware of your surroundings and try to notice what’s going on. Luckily I work with someone who is one of those people. She told me something was up and that guy was doing something. And so, I’m very thankful for her for sure.”

The suspect here was described as a black male with a face covering.

Polce say he had a gun and demanded money, then took off in a vehicle with the same description as the first robbery that occured earlier at an Exxon gas station.

His vehicle was described as a white Nissan SUV.

Police are encouraging citizens and store personnel to stay aware of their surroundings and if they see something suspicious, call police.

On Wednesday, Jan. 2, Jonesboro police released surveillance video of the alleged robbery.

Anyone with any information about these robberies is urged to call Crimestoppers at (870) 935-7867 or (870) 935-STOP.

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