Akron Police detectives are investigating a pair of robberies at a local corner store that they believe was committed by the same man.
According to authorities, Family Food and Deli, which is now Lake Mini Mart on South Arlington Street, was first robbed on Saturday, Dec. 16, by a man wielding a gun and wearing a black mask.
The owner of the store, Dineshkumar Parmar, told News 5 he was standing behind the counter Saturday night when a man in a black hoodie and black mask walked in, pointing a gun with an extended magazine, demanding money.
"I said come on man, why are you joking? He said I'm not joking and cocked the gun," said Parmar.
The robber then took the money and ran off. Then, the next day, a little after 9 p.m., Parmar decided to close his store a little early, but before he could, the robber returned holding what Parmar described as the same gun and demanded more money, this time specifying "big bills."
Then, the robber took an undisclosed amount of money and ran off.
Parmar bought the corner store two months ago to make a living, but he didn't expect to have these types of problems.
Now, after being robbed twice while fearing for his life, he's on guard every time someone steps into his store and questions what to do next.
"I'm scared, I'm always watching the surveillance video. While outside it's really cold and its snowing, everyone comes in bundled up and I'm scared of who's coming," said Parmar.
Akron police are also investigating a robbery that happened last night at Roses Discount Store, and Kenmore's has seen a number of thefts in the past few months.
Anyone with information about the man's identity or whereabouts is asked to call the detective bureau at 330-375-2490 or Crime Stoppers at 330-434-COPS.
