Police investigate string of Westside robberies

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – Police are looking the person(s) responsible for a string of robberies. Authorities say thieves hit three convenience stores on the Westside in just over three days.

A fast-food restaurant on Baymeadows Road was also robbed on Saturday evening.

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The first robbery happened Thursday night at a Kangaroo station on Normandy Boulevard when police say a man walked into the store wearing a skull cap, pointed a gun at the clerk demanding money, then took off.

Once outside, the suspect removed his cap revealing his face.

"It can be very frightening," said Aaron Woods, the husband of an employee at the convenience store. He says he is thankful his wife wasn't on duty when the robbery happened.

"I'm very grateful to be honest with you," Woods said. "If she was there, I don't know what I'd do, I really don't."

Police say the robbery spree then continued into the weekend. Early Sunday morning two more robberies occurred. One at the Hess station on Ramona, the other at a different Kangaroo that is also on Normandy.

In both cases, police ay a man came in with his face covered, demanded money, and then left with cash.

Channel 4 crime expert Ken Jefferson says the clerks were right to hand over the money.

"You just want to comply with them," Jefferson said. "You want to get a good description, pack it in your memory, and be able to articulate that to the officers when they arrive. You're particularly looking for race and sex, height, weight, color of clothing, and last -- direction of travel.

Police are also investigating a Wendy's on Baymeadows just west of Interstate 95 that was robbed about 8 p.m. Saturday. Police are staying tight-lipped about any possible connections.

In the meantime, some are hoping to have answers as quickly as possible.

"It's not a good thing. People do this stuff all the time all around town and it's just devastating that it does happen."