Black Mountain police continue to investigate convenience store robbery

Black Mountain police continue to investigate an armed robbery that took place at the intersection of Padgettown Road and Old U.S. 70.

On Aug. 9, officers were called to Burton’s Place at 197 Old U.S. 70 East after two men entered the store and struck the owner of the convenience store over the head with a handgun before demanding money and fleeing the scene.

The case, which appears to be connected to an armed robbery at Oakley Food Store in Asheville on Aug. 7, remains under investigation, according to Black Mountain detective Jacob Calvert.

“We believe the incident here is connected to the robbery in Oakley,” Calvert said. “There was also a car theft in Asheville that we think may involve the same suspects.”

The victim reported that two black males, both around 6 feet tall and dressed in all black with masks and gloves, entered Burton’s around 10 p.m. One suspect was described as weighing around 200 pounds and the other was around 300 pounds.

The suspects fled the convenience store toward the adjacent parking lot on Old U.S. 70 East, Calvert said.

Officers canvassed the area following the robbery but were unable to identify or locate the suspects, Calvert said.

Two nights earlier, around 11 p.m., a pair of armed suspects dressed in all black reportedly entered the Oakley Food Store on Fairview Road around 11 p.m. and demanded money at gunpoint.

Tips from citizens helped Black Mountain and Asheville police connect the two incidents, according to Calvert.

“We want to thank the public for their help,” he said. “We’ve had helpful tips come in regarding this case.”

The victim in the Burton’s robbery sustained minor injuries from the assault, according to Calvert.

“The investigation is still open at this time,” he said. “We ask that anyone with more information please contact the Black Mountain Police Department.”