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Elizabeth police are investigating two armed robberies and an armed home invasion, all reported Monday night.
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ELIZABETH — City police are investigating three separate incidents in which money was reported stolen at gunpoint Monday night, including a home invasion.
Around 8 p.m. last night, a Bank Street resident and his niece returned home after walking to the store and were followed inside by two men with handguns, Capt. William Pinho said.
The two men ordered the resident and his niece to the floor, then stole $35 in cash along with his house keys and car keys, Pinho said. Neither victim was able to describe the suspects because they were approached from behind, according to police.
Earlier in the evening, police responded to an armed robbery at the U.S. Food Mart at 845 Summer Street. Pinho said officers were called there around 6:35 p.m. and $100 was reported stolen from the cash register.
The robber, who police said pulled a gun on the clerk and demanded money, is described as a black man between the ages of 55 and 60 years old, with a beard and mustache, dressed in a gray hooded sweatshirt and dark pants. Police said he was seen walking down Routes 1 and 9 as he left the store.
The incident is under investigation by the Elizabeth Police Department's night detective division. Anyone with information is asked to contact Detective Daniel Merten at 908-558-2050.
A second armed robbery was reported on Rebecca Place after 10:30 p.m.
Pinho said two Elizabeth residents, a man and a woman, were standing outside a double-parked car when they were approached by two men, one of whom had a handgun.
The male victim was robbed of $300 in cash, and the female victim had medication stolen from her purse, Pinho said.
According to police, the two suspects left the scene in separate cars — one described only as a white vehicle, the other a red sedan.
Anyone with information on the second robbery is asked to call Detective Benny Carvalho at 908-558-2050.
Katie Lannan may be reached at klannan@njadvancemedia.com. Follow her on Twitter @katielannan. Find NJ.com on Facebook.