Robber strikes two more businesses

Total of four robbed since Dec. 19

By:Emily Craighead
   Mike K’s Sports Cards and Competitive Automotive on Main Street are the latest in a string of armed robberies in downtown Manville since Dec. 19.
   The robber entered Mike K’s Sports Cards between 3:30 and 3:45 p.m. Monday, but fled empty-handed after the manager told him there was no cash in the store, according to Manville police Lt. Ira Whitenight.
   The thief did escape on foot with between $100 and $200 from Competitive Automotive just after 5:30 p.m. Dec. 30, police said.
   The robber is described as a white man age 19 or 20, wearing a black jacket, a blue bandana, a cap and carrying a black backpack. He also carries a small handgun.
   "We have extra guys out every night," Lt. Whitenight said.
   Lt. Whitenight said the police believe the robberies were committed by the same individual.
   The first robbery occurred at Manville Food and Tobacco at 10 a.m. Dec. 19. The thief carried a handgun and fled on foot with $400, police said.
   Three days later, shortly before 8:30 p.m. Dec. 22, the thief entered Here’s the Scoop wielding a handgun and took $329. Once again, he left on foot through the Rustic Mall parking lot.
   Anyone with information about the robberies is asked to contact the Manville Police Department at (908) 725-1900.