Police search for repeat Walmart robber who sprayed gasoline
FRESNO, Calif. -- Police say a man doused a California Walmart cashier with gasoline during a robbery, just days after targeting the exact same store, reports CBS affiliate KGPE.
The man, who was captured on store surveillance cameras entering and exiting the store, walked in and allegedly demanded money from the cashier. She didn't hear his demand at first, according to police, so he sprayed gasoline on her and her station, and then threatened to light her on fire if she didn't give him money.
The victim turned over $400 and the suspect fled, according to Fresno Police Lt. Joe Gomez.
"I don't think we had ever seen one like this where gas was used in a bottle to spray on a victim," says Lt. Gomez.
The fire department responded to the scene and hosed off the woman, who was then brought to the hospital as a precaution.
Fresno Police Lt. Mark Salazar told 48 Hours' Crimesider that police will be releasing updated surveillance images from the incident on Tuesday or Wednesday, and investigators are hoping they generate leads in the case.
"We've had tips coming in, but we're hoping someone sees the images and can tell us more," Salazar said.
Fresno Fire Department spokesperson Pete Martinez said the incident was potentially dangerous for everyone in the store, because the cashier and suspect were near a main exit.
"A lot of people were going to be heading towards that exit so we were concerned for people ... having that hazard right near the door," Martinez said.
Police said the same suspect targeted the store on July 9, getting away without resorting to using any flammable liquids. In that robbery, the suspect waited in line with some produce, according to police, but as he approached the clerk to checkout, he allegedly pulled out a small black handgun, covered it with a newspaper, and demanded that the clerk give him money from the register.
The station reports that the clerk handed over $700 and the suspect walked out of the store, before fleeing on a silver or white mountain bike with red forks, according to police.
Police say they're analyzing surveillance footage, as well as items touched by the suspect, but no arrests have been made.
The suspect is described as being about five foot eleven, 200 hundred pounds, with a thin mustache and several tattoos on his calves.