FORT SMITH (KFSM) – The Fort Smith Police Department arrested a suspect thought to be behind the Christmas Eve robbery of an EZ Mart convenience store, authorities say.
The robbery took place at 3:34 a.m. at 8401 Highway 271 South in Fort Smith, police said. The clerk told authorities that he had been robbed by a man with a gun, according to police.
After multiple tips were received from the public, a 17-year-old male was interviewed and arrested on Dec. 24 on suspicion of aggravated robbery, according to a news release. Due to the suspect being a minor, his name and photograph were not released.
Authorities arrived at the store soon after the clerk called 911. They found the clerk inside the freezer, according to police.
The clerk told police the robber put a gun to his head and forced him to the ground. After that, the suspect forced the clerk to empty the cash register, get money from the drop safe and go into the freezer, police said.
Before leaving, the suspect also stole some Marlboro Red cigarettes, according to police.
