WEST ASHLEY, SC (WCSC) - The Charleston Police Department is investigating four robberies that happened on West Ashley and Johns Island which police say have similarities.

Investigators say the robberies started on Jan. 12 and involved victims ranging from 16 to 89 years old.

The first robbery happened on Jan. 12 around 11:15 a.m. as the 60 year-old victim was entering a business on Farmfield Avenue in West Ashley. The suspect approached her from behind, grabbed her purse and fled the area on foot. The suspect is described as a black male, 20-30 years-old, with a slim build and wearing BDU style pants and a gray sweat shirt.

The second incident occurred around 2:15 p.m. on Feb. 6th as the 85 year old victim was entering her home on Wappo Road in West Ashley. The suspect grabbed her from behind and demanded her purse. He then pushed her down as he grabbed her purse and fled on foot down Skinner Avenue. The suspect is described as a black male, about 6 feet tall, 18-25 years old, weighing between 135 and 170 pounds and wearing dark colored pants and jacket.

The third incident happened around 6:30 p.m. on Feb. 19 after the 16 year old victim approached his vehicle after visiting a friend at an apartment complex on Ashley Crossing Lane in West Ashley. The victim opened the driver side door and that's when the suspect approached him and took his money and cellular telephone. The suspect is described as a black male, 18-20 years old, about 6 feet tall, with a flat top hair cut and upper gold teeth and wearing a dark colored jacket. The vehicle the suspects were driving is described as a four-door silver or gold colored Impala with dark tinted windows.

The fourth incident occurred at 3:30 p.m. on Feb. 20 on Thunder Trail on Johns Island as the 89 year-old victim pulled his car into his garage. The suspect opened the front passenger side door and pointed a handgun at the victim and demanded his money. The suspect took the victim's money and fled the scene in a vehicle described as an older model four-door gold colored Impala. The suspect is described as a black male, 20-25 years-old, with a medium complexion, weighing between 175 and 185 pounds and wearing a dark baseball cap and dark shirt.

According to police, proactive initiatives such as increased patrols and saturation details have been implemented along with other investigative efforts in response to these incidents.

Charleston police officials say while the incidents have not been connected, due to their similarities police are alerting citizens so they can be vigilant and observant during their daily activities.

Police ask citizens who observe suspicious individuals or vehicles, should immediately report these observations to the police. Charleston police say if citizens believe they are being followed, they should go to a public place and notify the police immediately.

The police are asking that anyone with information about the robberies to call Crime Stoppers at 554-1111 or Charleston Police at 577-7434.

The investigation is ongoing.

Source: http://www.live5news.com/story/16983880/robberies-investigation

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