Armed robbery suspect remains at-large

An armed robbery suspect remains at-large after an early Wednesday morning incident at New Star convenience store in Newton.

Newton Police Chief Rob Burdess said there were no new leads as of Wednesday afternoon, despite numerous tips.

Burdess said they have checked into every tip they have received, including social media tips.

“We love tips, but we’ve got to follow up to check their credibility,” Burdess said.

The suspect displayed what appeared to be a semi-automatic pistol at store employees and demanded money at New Star, 702 First Ave. E., just before 1 a.m., according to Burdess.

He is described as a white male, 6-foot-1-inch tall, with long dark hair. He was wearing dark clothing with a hooded jacket.

The suspect fled the scene with an undisclosed amount of money by the time officers arrived.

The suspect fled on foot north before getting into a white, older model four-door car which traveled north from the 100 block of East Seventh Street North.

Anyone with information on the case is asked to contact the Newton Police Department at 641-791-0850. More information will be released as the investigation continues.

The suspect faces a first-degree robbery charge, a Class B felony.

Burdess said there hasn’t been an armed robbery in the county since the Casey’s General store robberies last fall.

Contact Kayla Langmaid at 641-792-3121 ext. 6513 or klangmaid@newtondailynews.com.