FROM STAFF REPORTS

The Statesville Police Department is investigating the early morning robbery of an employee of the Food Lion store on East Broad Street.

Officers responded to the grocery store at 1650 East Broad Street about 7:26 a.m. Wednesday after being dispatched for a reported robbery, according to an SPD news release.

Upon arrival, officers secured the scene and immediately contacted the Criminal Investigations Division to initiate an investigation.

Preliminary information gathered during the investigation indicates that three unidentified males, all wearing hoodies and masks, forcibly confronted a store clerk and proceeded to strong-arm their way into the cash register, according to the news release. The exact amount of cash taken during the robbery is currently unknown and under investigation.

As part of the investigative process, officers conducted interviews with store employees and reviewed security camera footage. It was determined that the suspects left the scene in two separate vehicles, police said. One of these vehicles was identified through footage from a flock camera located on Opal Street, according to the news release.

Investigators are working to obtain a search warrant to conduct a thorough search of a residence and the suspect vehicle, police said.

The SPD is working with the Mooresville Police Department and the Troutman Police Department, who are also on the scene, to coordinate efforts and follow up on any potential connections to similar events within their respective jurisdictions.