Police Searching for Knife-Wielding Robber

Police are investigating two reported robberies around 12:30 a.m. on Tuesday.

The first incident reported was at the Tedeschi's on Main Street. A white male, about 5-9 or 5-10, wearing a black hooded sweatshirt and baggy black sweatpants, entered the store and showed a black steak knife.

According to a police log entry of the incident, the suspect's hood was pulled down tightly over his face, making it difficult to get a detailed description. The suspect left the store on foot heading up Holten Street.

The Salem News reports the man took an undisclosed amount of cash from a store clerk.

The sheriff's department K-9 unit was called to the scene to track the suspect and state police secured the perimeter of the area. The dog was unable to pick up a scent, however, according to the log.

Police said a witness to the robbery would actually be issued a court summons for shoplifting. The Salem News reported that officers realized after viewing security footage that the man stole cigarettes after the clerk followed the robber out the door.

A half mile away on Lowell Street, an officer conducting a routine check on businesses in the area shortly before 2 a.m. was informed by staff at 7-Eleven that there was an attempted robbery by a male with a knife.

The officer said the incident actually occurred shortly before the armed robbery at Tedeschi's. The description of the suspect was similar to the male in the other robbery.

The Salem News reports the clerk wasn't able to get the cash register open, however, and the suspect left the scene.