AHOSKIE – For the second time in less than 48 hours, an Ahoskie-based business has fallen victim to criminal activity.

Only this time around the robber left with only a pack of cigarettes to show for his efforts.

Ahoskie Police Chief Troy Fitzhugh said that at approximately 8:40 p.m. on Wednesday, an unidentified black male walked into the Duck Thru Convenience Store on NC 561. The man asked for a pack of cigarettes, and then allegedly displayed a note demanding money.

“The suspect stated to the clerk he had a gun and to hand over the money. The clerk ran from the counter and the suspect left the store with only the pack of cigarettes,” said Fitzhugh.

The suspect is described as a black male with a dark complexion, wearing a green hat, grey coat, black pants, black in color shoes and a white shirt.

APD Lt. Jeremy Roberts was contacted in reference to the case.

“More information was gained about the suspect and we are following up on the investigation,” Fitzhugh said. “We are also looking for a red in color SUV.”

Anyone with any information is asked to contact Lt. Roberts at (252) 332-5012.

“We are aware of this person(s) and are patrolling our businesses and residences to keep are citizens safe.

I have confidence in my staff that we will catch this person or persons,” Fitzhugh concluded.

Wednesday’s attempted robbery came on the heels of an actual heist that occurred Monday night. There, the Dollar Tree located in the Ahoskie Commons Shopping Center was robbed at around 8 p.m.

That suspect, also described as a black male with a dark complexion, allegedly displayed a note demanding money.

“The suspect stated to the clerk he had a gun and to hand over the money. The clerk handed over an undisclosed amount of U.S. currency to the male. The suspect left the store,” Fitzhugh said.

The clerk was not injured.

When asked about the connection between the Dollar Tree and Duck Thru robberies, Fitzhugh said they were similar in nature due to the note passed or shown by the suspect to the store clerk in both cases.

“Both incidents show some similarities, but we have yet to actually place the same suspect in both stores,” Fitzhugh said. “That’s what we’re working on at this time and we’re asking anyone who may have seen something on those two nights at or near those two locations to please step forward and share your information. We will keep all names confidential.”