Weekend robbery in Santa Maria may be connected to Goleta crimes

The Santa Maria Police Department continues to investigate an armed robbery that occurred at a 7-Eleven in the 1900 block of S. Broadway just before 2:30 a.m. Sunday.

The police department says that an unidentified man, described as black or Hispanic between 20-30 years old and a stocky build, walked into the convenience store, displayed a handgun, and forced the clerk to hand over an undisclosed amount of money.

The suspect fled on foot westbound on Carmen Lane from Broadway before officers arrived on scene.

Santa Maria police believe the man involved in Sunday’s armed robbery in Santa Maria, is connected to the robberies in Goleta Tuesday morning and another one last week.

Customers are scratching their heads at the news that there could be a serial armed robber targeting 7-Eleven convenience stores.

“It makes me worries. I come here a lot with my kids,” said Santa Maria resident Cynthia Melendez. “Their safety is everything to me. I do a lot to make sure they’re doing OK. It makes me not want to bring them around.”

No one was hurt during Sunday’s armed robbery. The suspect is considered armed and dangerous.

Authorities urge the public to be diligent and aware of their surroundings.

Anyone with any information regarding this case is asked to call the Santa Maria Police Department at 805-928-3781 ext. 2277, or the Santa Barbara County Sheriff’s Department for any information on this case or any of the Goleta robberies.