Shawnee Convenient Store Clerks Held At Gunpoint

An armed robber apparently dismissed the sign warning surveillance cameras were rolling at Flash Stop Convenience Store in Shawnee, Tuesday.

The robber hid his face with a bandana and rushed the cash register. 

"About the time we look over the kid comes in with a gun," said Sonny Baker.

Baker knew in that moment his shift would be anything but business as usual.

"He said, ‘Give me all the money and the $100s,'" Baker said.

Baker says he followed the commands because he didn't want to die. He was looking down the barrel of the gun as he handed over more than $800 to the thief.

"It's never happened to me before," Baker said.

Baker says he could not give a good description of the suspect, but Shawnee Police Detective Jason Crouch is relying on the surveillance video. Crouch hopes someone will recognize the suspect by his stature, ethnicity, and some distinctive clothing items,

"He is wearing a stocking cap that has the Mizzou Tigers logo on it so if anyone remembers seeing someone wearing that cap," said Crouch.

Shawnee Police believes the same suspect and an accomplice also robbed a Kwik Stop 31 on Independence in Shawnee a couple of hours later.

Around 9 p.m. on Tuesday, surveillance cameras at the Kwik Stop captured the suspects walking through the store carrying beer. When they get to the register, one of the suspects points a gun at the cashier and demanded money,

The cashier is initially reluctant to open the cash drawer. Crouch said the suspect became more aggressive at that point.

"They both had guns and one actually racked a round and a live round flew out onto the counter," said Crouch.

In both cases, the suspects apparently left on foot. Baker said if they try to make another run at stealing from him while he is on duty, he will be armed.

"I plan on buying a 12 gauge, just to be ready for it."

If you have any information about the armed robberies, call Shawnee Crime Stoppers at (405) 273- 2121.