Police look for Radio Shack robber

A man robbed the manager of the Radio Shack store on 40 Highway at gunpoint Tuesday, stealing cell phones and laptop computers.

Around 9:30 a.m., Independence Police responded to the store at 11307 E. Highway 40. Once they got there, officers learned that a man pointed a grey-colored pistol at the manager. He swiped a couple of laptop computers from a display case, according to Det. Virgil Garner. 

The suspect took the employee to the back room. He forced the manager to place a couple of cell phones in a bag. Then he locked the employee in a storage room and fled the store, Garner said.

The robber crossed the highway and walked eastbound along a fence in the back of a residential area, Garner said.

Officers and the K-9 unit searched the area but initially came up empty. Officers didn’t find any of the items. Police were unsure if the suspect went inside a house.

Surveillance wasn’t set up inside the store. However, cameras were set-up on the outside of the store and parking lot area.

The man was wearing a baggy sweatshirt and pants, Garner said.

He was described as being 5 foot 6 inches tall and medium built and in his mid 20s. Executive Editor 9/2/08 what race was he? that is important to add when giving a description and asking people for tips

Garner said the store was also robbed in April.

Anyone with information is encouraged to call the Tips Hotline at 474-TIPS (8477) or the Independence Police Department at 816- 325-7330.