Police have released a surveillance photo of a woman believed to have robbed four stores in less than a two hour time span. The robberies occurred on Sunday in both Fresno and Clovis.
The suspect, who was armed with a gun, is approximately 40-years old with blonde hair.
She is suspected of robbing Clovis Hookah and Cigarettes, as well as Clovis Discount Cigars and Cigarettes. The crimes happened just four minutes apart late Sunday morning. The first shop is located at Shaw and Fowler and the other at Ashlan and Fowler.
“She's crossed a line and it's very serious,” said Criminologist Dr. Eric Hickey.
Local Criminal Psychologist, Dr. Eric Hickey, says it's rare to see a woman engage in violent crime.
“When women need money they're much more inclined to do crimes like fraud, prostitution or selling drugs,” said Dr. Hickey.
Fresno Police believe the Clovis robber may be the same woman who struck Varsity Liquor at Cedar and Ashlan an hour and a half later. Moments after leaving that store, the nearby 7-Eleven at Shaw and Maple was robbed.
“It just goes to show that people will do anything that they need to do (for money) and it's scary,” said Nick Allcock, a customer.
Aside from pictures, investigators have also collected some physical evidence.
“We located some clothing and other items we believe belong to the suspect that committed these crimes,” said Sgt. Jim Koch of the Clovis Police Dept.
Dr. Hickey says it may not be immediate, but she will strike again.
“If she didn't get caught on these first four she'll come back and do it again because it's easy money. But she'll get caught, it's inevitable,” said Dr. Hickey.