A man arrested in Gering, Neb., following an armed robbery of a Torrington, Wyo., ShopKo Wednesday could be connected to the April 28 armed robbery at the Sterling Wal-Mart pharmacy.
In an update released this morning, the Sterling Police Department said they are working with law enforcement in Torrington and Scottsbluff, Neb., to investigate the possible connection between the cases. Similarities between the Sterling and Torrington incidents, as well as robberies in Scottsblugg and Alliance, have been found, and the department “is working closely with the agencies involved,” the update states.
The latest robbery occured Wednesday at about 11:30 a.m. The Star-Herald in Scottsbluff, Neb., reports that law enforcement had set up surveillance on the residence of a suspect in the February robbery of a Scottsbluff Walgreens. A car matching the description of the Torrington robbery suspect’s vehicle arrived at the residence, and local police took Richard Trapp, 25, of Gering, into custody after a standoff on a charge of possession of a controlled substance.
The investigation into the Sterling Wal-Mart robbery is ongoing. Anyone with information regarding any of the armed robberies is encouraged to call the Sterling Police Department at 970-522-3512, the Logan County Crime Stoppers at 970-522-EYES (3937), or their local law enforcement agency.
Sara Waite: 970-526-9310, swaite@journal-advocate.com
