2 Gallup businesses hit with armed robberies

By Leslie Wood
Staff Writer

GALLUP — Two armed robberies were reported within 24 hours, according to a spokeswoman for the Gallup Police Department.

Investigator Erin Toadlena-Pablo said the first robbery was reported at about 5 p.m. on Monday by Walter Balfour, a optometrist who works along Coal Avenue.

Balfour was preparing to close his business when he heard someone coming through the office's back door. An Hispanic or Native American man in his mid twenties to early thirties then demanded Balfour hand over any cash inside the business. The man was armed with a handgun, according to reports. The suspect forced Balfour into the restroom and fled the business through the back door.

During the second robbery, a Native American or Hispanic man entered America's Best Value Inn on West Highway 66 and demanded the clerk hand over the motel's cash at about 3 a.m. on Tuesday. He then fled the business heading west.

The inn's clerk said the man was in his mid twenties, was about 5 feet 10 inches tall and weighed about 190 pounds. He was wearing a maroon shirt, black sweater and a grey and blue Nike jacket with grey stripes on the sleeves. The suspect was also wearing black jeans and a black hat.

Toadlena-Pablo said detectives are not certain if the two robberies are connected. No injuries were reported during the robberies.

Police are seeking the public's help in finding the people responsible. Anyone with information about the robberies is asked to call CrimeStoppers at 722-6161. A reward of up to $1,000 is available.