Suspect made off with cash, cigarettes and a lottery ticket

Someone used a key to get into a Lincoln County convenience store and make off with cash, cigarettes and a lottery ticket, according to the Lincoln County Sheriff’s Of-fice.

The person entered the West Express Convenience Store at 4472 N.C. 27 in western Lincoln County at 3:13 a.m. Monday, according to a press release. The suspect was covered up with a hat, bulky clothing and boots and clearly knew the layout of the store.

“The suspect walked directly to the office where three cash drawers were kept,” the release states.

The person then grabbed a carton of cigarettes and a $10 lottery ticket before going out through the back door.

An alarm alerted communications of the incident. Both the front and rear doors were unlocked when officers arrived.

Investigators are looking into past employees as possible suspects, according to Lt. Tim Johnson with the sheriff’s office.

“It has to be an inside job because nobody broke in,” he said.