Armed Robbery at New Markley Street Mini-Mart Under Investigation

Arianitas Mini Market, at 1353 Markley Street, had only been open a few weeks Friday night when it became the latest victim in a string of armed robberies in the Norristown area that police believe are being carried out by the same two men.

According to reports from the Norristown Police Department, officers responded to Arianitas at approximately 8:14 p.m. on Friday, March 15, for a report of an armed robbery in progress.

The owner of the market told police the two men in masks entered his store and immediately came behind the counter, demanding he "Give them the money." One man held the victim at gunpoint while the other searched him. The men then demanded he open the register. The men took the money, estimated at $500, and fled on foot westbound on West Fornance Street.

The two men are described as black males approximately 5'10" to 6' tall, with thin builds and both wearing black masks, blue jeans and black gloves. One was reportedly wearing a black sweatshirt and the other a grey sweatshirt. The man with the grey sweatshirt was carrying a black revolver with a brown grip. The victim told police he got a better look at the gun as the men were leaving and thought it may have been a toy.

The robbery is the latest in a string of armed robberies involving armed men with similar descriptions in the Norristown area.

• On Feb. 19, two armed men reportedly robbed a women outside her apartment building in the 200 block of Centre Avenue in West Norriton.
• On Feb. 27, two armed men robbed the American Gasoline Store on Ridge Pike in Plymouth.
• On March 2, two armed men robbed the Exxon Service Station at West Main Street and Forrest Avenue.
• On Wednesday, March 6, two armed men robbed three people Wednesday night at Alexa's Mexican Market on West Main Street.
• On Sunday, March 10, two armed men held up both the Getty Gas Station at Johnson Highway and Arch Street and another small market at DeKalb and Jacoby streets.
• On Thursday, March 14, two armed men robbed the Citgo Gas Station at 1703 Markley Street. 

According to Norristown Detective Lieutenant Michael Crescitelli, police believe the robberies are being committed by the same men.

"We believe at this time they are the same two guys," said Crescitelli.

Norristown detectives are currently working with detectives from West Norriton and Plymouth, where other similar robberies have taken place, in an effort to identify and locate the criminals.

Police say they have increased patrols in the areas of gas stations and markets and are asking residents to keep alert and contact police if they see anything suspicious. 

"Keep your eyes peeled," said Crescitelli. "If anyone knows anything, contact us."

Anyone with information about these crimes should contact the Norristown Police Department at 610-270-0977.

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