Police looking for Little River armed robbery smoke shop suspect

Purple Haze Smoke Shop in Little River was robbed at gunpoint earlier this month, and Horry County police are asking the public’s help in identifying the suspect.

Officers were called after the store at 225 E. Hwy 90 was robbed about 5:30 p.m. March 3, according to Lt. Raul Denis with Horry County police.

A 23-year-old male store employee told police he was arranging new merchandise with his back to the door when the suspect entered, police said.

The suspect approached him wearing a black bandana cross his face, presented a gun, and demanded money from the register be placed in a bag the suspect brought in with him, according to a police report.

The victim gave the suspect money from the register, and he left the area, police said.

No one was hurt in the incident, police said.

Authorities searched the area for the suspect, but didn’t find him. The store owner came to the scene and gave police store surveillance and said these robberies have been happening at other stores in the area in the past.

The robber is described as a white male, 6 feet tall, weighing 250 pounds, wearing blue jeans and gray sweatshirt.

Anyone with information can call Horry County police at 843-915-8477.

This story was originally published March 18, 2016 at 1:09 PM with the headline "Police looking for Little River armed robbery smoke shop suspect."