HARTSVILLE, SC (WBTW) – After two armed robberies occurred in a Hartsville neighborhood just a day from each other this week, homeowners are now looking for a piece of mind.
Woodrow Outlaw has lived nearby the “Short Trip” convenience store on Patrick Highway for more than 40 years.
“That’s the first time that happened in quite a while,” Outlaw said.
Security camera footage inside the convenience store caught the robbery in action Wednesday night.
Lt. Robert Kilgo with the Darlington County Sheriff’s Office says deputies were called to the scene around 7:25 p.m. Wednesday night after a man came into the store, flashed his handgun at the clerk and then demanded money.
The gunman is described as a black man, wearing a dark colored hoodie and covering most of his face. Lt. Kilgo says the robber got away with a lot of cash, but didn’t have an exact amount.
A similar robbery happened this week in a neighborhood along Ousleydale Road.
The Darlington County Sheriff’s Office arrested 23 year-old Willie Huggins who, authorities say, got shot when after he tried to rob a homeowner around 9:00 p.m. Monday night.
“It doesn’t seem as if there has been an uptick with these two incidents but we will devote deputies to up patrol in that area until we can get a handle on what is going on, especially until we can find out who committed this armed robbery at the quick trip,” said Lt. Kilgo.
For now people who live in the area hope someone will recognize the thief caught on camera.
“Each community has to look out for one another in their own community especially, but if you’re in a community and something doesn’t look right call the law,” Outlaw explained.
A judge set Willie Huggins bond for $25,000 Thursday after breaking into a home along Ousleydale Road in Hartsville.
Anyone with information related to the armed robbery of the Short Trip Convenience Store is asked to call the Darlington County Sheriff’s Office at 843-398-4501.
