LAFAYETTE POLICE REPORT AN ARMED ROBBERY… WHICH AMOUNTS TO AN EMPLOYEE MUGGING BEHIND A LOCAL CONVENIENCE STORE. IT HAPPENED AT CLOSING… JUST PAST MIDNIGHT SATURDAY… AT THE PIT STOP ON EAST VILLANOW AT THE BYPASS.

PRAGNESH PATEL WAS ASSISTING WITH THE STORE CLOSING… AND CARRIED TRASH TO THE DUMPSTER AT THE REAR OF THE STORE. HE TOLD POLICE HE WAS HIT FROM BEHIND AND KNOCKED TO THE GROUND. THE ASSAILANT TOOK HIS WALLET AND A GOLD RING… TOTAL VALUE AROUND $1,500. PATEL WAS NOT SURE WHAT WAS USED TO STRIKE HIM.

THE MAN WAS DESCRIBED AS 6 FEET OR TALLER AND HEAVY-SET… WEARING DARK GLOVES AND A DARK JACKET. HE ESCAPED ON FOOT.

POLICE HAVE FEW LEADS IN THIS ASSAULT… AND ASK THE PUBLIC FOR ANY INFORMATION THEY MAY HAVE, AS THE INVESTIGATION CONTINUES.

WQCH