State police in Cambria County are searching for a suspect who was reportedly involved in two overnight robberies in the Portage area.
Troopers say around 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, authorities were dispatched to the Family Dollar, located along Portage Street, in Portage Township, for reports of a robbery-in-progress.
Police say the suspect, who had already fled the scene, had reportedly entered the business and began demanding from the cash register.
Investigators say the suspect also allegedly made a motion to the employees that suggested that he was in possession of a weapon.
Police say that when the employees opened the register, the suspect allegedly stole approximately $270 in cash before fleeing the store.
Authorities say a short time later, troopers were then dispatched to the Portage Vapor and Cigar store, located along Main Street, in Portage Borough, after the same suspect reportedly attempted to hold up the employee.
Police say the employee reportedly refused the suspect’s demands and attempted to obtain a firearm that he reportedly uses for personal protection.
Troopers say this reportedly “deterred” the suspect, who then fled the scene in a red Fiat that was last seen traveling northbound on Route 53.
Police also discovered that prior to these two incidents, the suspect also broke into Lucky Laundry, located along Munster Road, and damaged multiple PA Skill machines with a hammer.
According to authorities, the suspect is described as a white male, approximately 50 to 60 years old, with gray facial stubble.
Anyone with information on the suspect is asked to contact state police at 814-472-1653.