Robber Wearing Pillowcase Escapes Arrest

Photo by: google images. An armed robber entered the Black Derby Liquor Store, demanding cash from the register.

Springfield, PA - An armed robber with a pillowcase over his head escaped arrest last night after taking $2,845 from The Black Derby Liquor Store.

The suspect pulled out a pistol and demanded that the store clerk, Steve Bellinos, 28, empty the contents of the cash register into another pillowcase.

Police officers Anne Fulgham and Jose Lopez arrived at the store at 7:19 p.m as the suspect was leaving the store. Bellinos had triggered a silent alarm just three minutes before.

The gunman reportedly fled the scene when he spotted the police. Officer Fulgham shouted a warning and fired a shot, which missed the suspect. The officers pursued the man into the alley, but he escaped arrest.

Bellinos described the suspect as 6 feet tall and about 155 pounds. “He was wearing blue jeans and a dirty white T-shirt that was torn on the right sleeve.”

Police Chief Antonio Grasso said the Police Internal Security Squad will perform an investigation of the incident. This is routine procedure any time an officer fires a shot.

John Paul Reinicke, 35, witnessed the incident from Ripley Way. “The officers did a great job,” he said. “The guy ran so fast he looked like a track star.”

Police ask that any information regarding this theft be reported to Police Chief Thomas Rines, at 215-555-5555.