Two robberies attempted

A male suspect is believed to have robbed a Post Falls grocery store Sunday night and targeted a Coeur d'Alene gas station early Monday morning.

In both incidents, the slender suspect was wearing a red-hooded sweatshirt with a light-colored bandana over his face. He demanded money, but did not brandish a weapon or threaten to use one.

The robberies occurred at Frontier Grocery, 2707 W. Seltice Way, Post Falls, at 9:07 p.m. on Sunday and at the Cenex Zip Trip, 1427 E. Best Ave., Coeur d'Alene, at 5:14 a.m. on Monday.

The suspect escaped with about $250 worth of cash from Frontier Grocery. A Zip Trip worker declined to give the suspect cash.

The Post Falls Police Department believes the suspect has bright blue eyes and is about 5-foot-4.

"The man walked in and said, 'Give me all of your money,' then left with the money about 30 seconds later," Post Falls Police Capt. Greg McLean said.

While en route to the store, officers were advised that the suspect fled on foot north of the business. A perimeter was set up and a K9 was deployed to track the suspect, but he was not caught.

The suspect in the Coeur d'Alene case is about 170 pounds and was also wearing light blue overalls.

The male store clerk told police he walked to the front counter from the back room when he heard the door chime. The suspect standing at the counter had his hood up and a bandana covering most of his face, a Coeur d'Alene Police press release states.

"The male suspect demanded cash," the release states. "The clerk said no and walked to the back room. The man exited the store and left traveling northbound on foot."

When officers arrived, the suspect had already fled on foot, said Coeur d'Alene Police Sgt. Christie Wood.

"He was not located or seen anywhere," she said. "No vehicle was observed by the clerk."

Investigations continue.

Those with information on the Post Falls case are urged to call 773-3517 or leave an anonymous tip at www.postfallspolice.com. Information on the Coeur d'Alene case can be directed to 769-2320 or policetips@cdaid.org.

Brian Walker can be reached at bwalker@cdapress.com. Follow him on Twitter @bwalkercdapress.