Spartanburg police investigating two robberies

Authorities are investigating two robberies that occurred Thursday morning in Spartanburg County.

Spartanburg police were notified of a robbery about 5:30 a.m. in the parking lot of Hot Spot, 194 E. Henry St. A man from Concord, N.C., who does not speak English well, told police through a translator he stopped at the convenience store to make a purchase and was attempting to leave when a blue or black Ford Explorer pulled up beside him.

Two men, one holding a gun, jumped out and came toward his car. One man got into the front passenger seat of his car and the other stood outside the vehicle, according to police reports. The men wanted money and told him to drive in the direction of Hudson L. Barksdale Boulevard, but the man refused.

One of the men then took money out of his pocket to show him what they wanted, due to the language barrier. When the victim refused to drive, the man in the front passenger seat hit his in the right side of his face with the gun, causing redness and swelling. The men then left the parking lot in the Explorer at a high rate of speed.

A store clerk told police the man with the gun is a regular customer and was in the store prior to the victim’s arrival.

Also Thursday morning, Spartanburg County sheriff’s deputies investigated a strong arm robbery about 2:35 a.m. at BI-LO, 2401 Reidville Road. According to sheriff’s office reports, a man stealing beer from the store was confronted by an employee and reached into his pants, acting like he was grabbing a gun.

He then told the employee he was going to kill him. He left the store, but the employee followed him and saw him get into a white Chrysler with a tag police discovered did not match the vehicle.

Anyone with information on the robberies is asked to call CrimeStoppers at 58-CRIME.