Robber Used Lighter Fluid to Threaten Gas Station Clerk: Cops

As crime in New Hampshire’s largest city begins to accelerate, so, it would appear, does the means by which thieves attempt to gain access to money in a criminal manner.

Case in point: At just after midnight on Dec. 1, 2015, according to Manchester Police, officers were sent to the Speedway gas station on Massabesic Street for a report of a robbery where a man “walked up to the window and began pouring lighter fluid on the booth,” according to Lt. Brian O’Keefe of the Manchester Police Department.

“The man threatened to ignite the booth if she failed to give him cash from the register,” O’Keefe stated. “Fearing for her safety, she emptied the cash register and handed the assailant an undisclosed amount of cash.”

The man then left the scene walking along Hayward Street. The robber was described at 5-feet, 8-inches tall, with an unknown build. He was wearing a blue coat, black ski mask, and light colored gloves.

This is the fifth robbery in the last few days in the Queen City. Police hope to release video footage of the robbery later today. 

If you are able to identify the masked man, contact the Manchester Police Detective Division at 603-668-8711 or Manchester Police Crimeline at 603-624-4040. You may be eligible for a cash reward if your crime tip leads to the identification and arrest of the person responsible for the robbery.