Masked man robs Big Lots —
Armed robber takes security tape, flees out back door with cash

By Philip Stake
Staff writer

GALLUP — Police are on the lookout for a man who robbed Big Lots Thursday around 9 p.m.

The man is described as heavyset and was last seen wearing a gray hooded sweatshirt, black cap and dark-colored pants.

According to the police report, he entered the store in American Heritage Plaza just before closing. Store manager Marilyn Russell walked to her office, and the suspect followed wearing a black bandanna over his face. Russell saw the end of a black firearm protruding from the sleeve of his sweatshirt. He ordered Russell to remove the surveillance tape, and she did and gave it to the robber, at which point he pushed her further into the office toward the safe.

He demanded that she open the safe and give him the money. She handed him a red-colored money bag with the word “Tupperware” written on it.

With an undisclosed amount of money in hand, the robber ordered Russell to walk to the rear exit and open the door, through which he fled.

Sgt. Erin Toadlena-Pablo of the Gallup Police Department said the man is between 5 foot 3 inches and 5 foot 5 inches tall, about 190 pounds, with brown eyes. He was last seen leaving the back door of Big Lots at 900 North U.S. Highway 491.

Up to $1,000 is being offered by Crime Stoppers for any information that leads to an arrest — anonymous calls are accepted. Call 505-722-6161.