Rindge police are searching for someone who attempted an armed robbery at North of the Border convenience store Tuesday night.
Sergeant Jeffrey Seppala said Wednesday afternoon that the department is looking into some tips and other community feedback from a crime bulletin posted online earlier in the day, but no arrests have been made.
“We are still working on reviewing the [security camera] video,” said Seppala, who encouraged anyone with information to reach out to Rindge police.
Security footage from the store shows a male subject walking outside the store around 9:55 p.m. When traffic on Route 202 appears to die down, the suspect can be seen running into the store, attempting to make a dash for the register.
A male working in the store can be seen observing the subject via security footage. The man at the cash register grabs an aluminum baseball bat and swings at the robber when he approaches the register, appearing to strike him at least once on the head.
Jim Davis, whose company Jaffrey Computer handles all IT for the store, identified the man at the cash register as one of three store owners, Jamal Mortada.
“Jamal‘s a real hero in all this,” said Davis, who was in the store about five hours prior, working on the security cameras.
The suspect came back towards the register a second time before fleeing the store on foot. Canine units were brought to the scene, but the suspect was not located.
The suspect was wearing a dark-colored hoodie, light blue jeans, and light-colored work boots. He also had his face covered and wore gloves. Police say the suspect may have apparent head injuries.
A similar armed robbery took place on April 11 at West of the Border, which is also owned by Mortada and his two brothers. Seppala said an undisclosed amount of money was taken during this incident.
“It seems likely that the two are connected,” said Seppala, who indicated the suspects had similar appearances and were both wielding a knife.