ROANOKE TIMES
Copyright (c) 1997, Roanoke Times
DATE: Friday, March 28, 1997 TAG: 9703280092
SECTION: VIRGINIA PAGE: C-4 EDITION: METRO
SOURCE: JOANNE POINDEXTER THE ROANOKE TIMES
Although the robber wore a mask and hooded jacket, a television viewer thought he recognized him.
As a result, Chad Michael Pedro, a 19-year-old Lynchburg man, was arrested and charged with Wednesday morning's robbery at a Forest convenience store.
No gun was seen on the video, but Pedro was charged with use of a firearm because of threats and the way the robber presented himself. No money has been recovered.
Police said Pedro has implicated himself in the robbery and is cooperating with the investigators.
A security video at Quik-E Food Store on U.S. 221 captured a man beating the counter and threatening to kill the clerks if they didn't give him money. He had one hand in his pocket when he entered the store and beat the counter with his other hand, which was covered by his sleeve.
Police released the video to area television stations Wednesday afternoon and received about 15 calls after news broadcasts. One caller identified the man by his clothing and voice, Lt. John McCane said.
McCane said an arrest in the case would have been difficult if the media had not cooperated.
LENGTH: Short : 33 linesby CNB