Dec 4, 2006 6:11 pm US/Eastern
Police: $350K Wal-Mart Heist An Inside Job
PHILADELPHIA (CBS 3) ―
Philadelphia Police have new evidence that indicates an armed Wal-Mart robbery of over $350,000 in cash, was an inside job.
Police said two Wal-Mart employees are in custody, one alleged robber surrendered and one more individual is sought in connection to the heist at the store on Roosevelt Blvd. in Northeast Philadelphia.
The robbery happened around 2 a.m. Sunday while members of the overnight team were restocking shelves.
Police said the armed men, wearing Wal-Mart smocks walked into the store and ordered the manager to open the safe a large amount of cash, after a busy holiday shopping weekend. They then forced the manager and an employee into the safe room; duct taped their victims, and fled.
During a news conference Tuesday Chief Inspector Joseph Fox said the robbery was an inside job.
"The timing, how much money could have potentially been in that safe. How to get access to the store itself, I mean it's my impression that those doors are locked," said Fox.
Police said they were let in by Assistant Store Manager 25-year-old Steven Patton, who was the inside man. He allegedly plotted along with former fellow employee and current Wal-Mart Cherry Hill Assistant Manager 33-year-old Bruce Johnson to rob the store.
"They pulled their weapons and they took the Assistant Manager Patton and another employee, who we are not identifying at this point, point of gun back into the office," said Fox.
No one was hurt but police said it was a frightening few moments for the employee not in on the robbery.
The two gunmen, identified by police as Nikia Rigny of East Oak Lane and an unknown male, escaped in a green or blue Chevrolet Impala or Malibu, Pennsylvania license plate number ENV-4280.
The robbery was caught on store security cameras and clearly identifies the faces of Nikia Rigny and the other wanted gunman.
Authorities said Rigny surrendered to police Monday afternoon, while the unknown male remains at large
Police said both Assistant Managers have prior arrest records, one involving illegal gun sales.
Police said the second alleged gunman should be considered armed and dangerous. If you have any information, contact authorities.
(© MMVI, CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved.)
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