Fayetteville burglars sledgehammer their way into convenience store

Fayetteville police are searching for three burglars who used a sledgehammer to smash through an exterior wall into a convenience store in Fayetteville on Sept. 21.

Fayetteville Police Department spokesman Jeff Harris said the break-in occurred during the early morning hours when burglars used a sledgehammer to make a hole in the back exterior wall of the Exxon Gas station located at 775 E. Lanier Avenue.

Harris said two individuals entered the store through the hole, ransacking areas of the store and taking 30 cartons of Marlboro and Newport cigarettes valued at $1,650, along with phone cards valued at $2,200.

The burglars also broke into the store’s office where an undisclosed amount of cash was taken, said Harris.

Harris said during the incident one individual, armed with a semi-automatic handgun, stood by outside the store acting as a lookout. Harris added that all three had their faces covered.

During the incident, the power to the building was turned off to disable the store’s surveillance and alarm systems, Harris said.

Harris asked that anyone with information should contact Detective Joshua Meade at 770-719-4225.