SCRANTON – Scranton police are asking for information about two robberies that happened 17 minutes apart Friday by the same person.
Just before 6 p.m., a man entered the PNC Bank on Penn Avenue and demanded money from a teller, but then fled without obtaining any money, Scranton police say.
Seventeen minutes later, the same man entered the Sunoco Market on North Keyser Avenue, sprayed an employee with mace, took cash and fled.
The money was in a key box and the mace obstructed the employee’s vision, scanner reports show.
The man is described as being in his mid-forties and wearing a gray sweatshirt and gray sweatpants. According to police, he was wearing a black face mask at the time of the incident.
Investigators believe a car was used in both incidents and are working to identify it.
The public is being asked to provide any information regarding either incident.
“Unfortunately, as the holidays begin, these types of crimes also occur,” police said in a news release. “The Scranton Police Department is increasing patrols near shopping areas and asks that you remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity.”
“Working together, we will make this a safe and happy holiday season.”
