Tractor Supply Co. robbed at gunpoint Monday morning.

Tractor Supply Co. robbed at gunpoint Monday morning.

#MasonCountyCrime

By Rob Alway, Editor-in-Chief.

AMBER TOWNSHIP — The Tractor Supply Co. store at 4572 W. US 10 was robbed at gunpoint this morning, Monday, Oct. 8, according to Mason County Sheriff Kim Cole. Detectives and deputies from the sheriff’s office are currently on scene, along with the sheriff’s office K-9 unit, which is searching a perimeter.

Sheriff Kim Cole said the robbery took place about 7 a.m. when a suspect wearing a mask and carrying a long rifle gained access to the store. 

This information has been updated with new information that was originally provided during an earlier interview with the sheriff:

“A preliminary investigation suggests the suspect approached the employee brandishing a long gun and demanded money,” Cole said. “After the robbery, the suspect bound the employee and locked the employee in a closet. Another store employee, who was working in the back of the store, was unaware of the situation and discovered the bound employee. The 911 call was placed by a customer who was walking up to the business when the two employees ran from the building.” 

Cole said the suspect left by foot. As a precaution, area schools were placed on a soft lockdown. That lockdown will likely be lifted this morning, Cole said.

Investigators currently do not have a description of the suspect. They are in the process of reviewing store surveillance video. 

On Aug. 19 there was a break-in at the store. Sources told MCP that employees witnessed the suspect in a supply room at the time of the August incident. Cole said he did not know if the two incidents are related.

Anyone who was in the area of the store about 7 a.m. is being asked to contact Mason-Oceana 911 if they have any information. The store is currently closed and people are being asked to avoid the area.

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