MORGANTON, N.C. — Investigators arrested a man they believe robbed six businesses across western North Carolina
Authorities said they arrested Gary Adrian Church Wednesday after an hour-long standoff at a hotel in Asheville.
Public safety officers in Morganton released surveillance video from one of the stores where the clerk struggled with the alleged robber.
Officials said the crime happened at the Tobacco Barn on East Fleming Drive.
The video shows the suspect try and buy a pack of gum and then suddenly reach across the counter to steal cash from the register.
"Instinct, I guess,” clerk Trish Carpenter said. “I was, like, ‘You're not doing this.’ When I opened my drawer up, he reached around and said, ‘I'm going take it all.’ And he tried to reach in my register and take the money and everything."
Officers said they believe the same man robbed a Dollar General in Morganton moments later.
Just hours before, authorities said two other businesses were hit in Statesville.
Channel 9 has also learned two businesses were robbed in Asheville, where there was police chase.
Church is locked up in Asheville where he most likely will be served with the warrants from Iredell and Burke counties.
No injuries were reported.
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