H2O Bandit

So-Called “H2O Bandit” Strikes at Two Lincoln Stores

By Jon Mayhew

LINCOLNTON – Lincoln County Sheriff’s detectives are investigating thefts at two convenience stores on Highway 150 east of Lincolnton after a suspect poured water on the floor, told the clerk then searched the checkout counters while the clean-up was underway.

The suspect is described as a white male, 40 to 45 years old, with brown hair and wearing blue athletic shorts and a long sleeve button up shirt went into Falls Quick Stop at 4999 East Highway 150 and Country Corner at 2847 East Highway 150 between 4:00 pm and 5:00 pm on Wednesday.

At Falls Quick Stop the man emptied several bottles of water on the floor in front of a cooler then reported to the clerk on duty that there was a water spill. While the clerk was cleaning up the spill the man continued to talk to her but remained at the front of the store. When she completed the clean up and returned to the counter the man had left the store. The man got away with about $350.00 in cash.

At the Country Corner Convenience Store the man came into the business around 4:15 pm Wednesday went to the back of the store and dumped out several bottles of water on the floor. He placed the empty bottles under a cabinet and reported the spill to the clerk. The suspect attempted to go behind the counter and was able to enter an “Employees Only” area near the office. Store officials say they don’t believe anything was taken.

The man was driving a white Ford Taurus with what appeared to be a 30-day tag.

The suspect has also struck at stores in Burke, Catawba and Watauga Counties.

Anyone who may have seen the suspect or vehicle should call the Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office detective division at 704-736-8856 or call Crime Stoppers at 704-736-8909.