FRANKLIN—Franklin Police are looking for a suspect in attempted robberies at two local grocery stores early Friday afternoon, said Lt. Tim Whitt, spokesman, in a press release.

At approximately 2:05 p.m., a black male went to a cashier at the Food Lion on Armory Drive with a drink and bag of chips. When the cashier rang up the groceries and opened the cash drawer, the suspect threateningly demanded money. The cashier became frightened and backed away from the man, who left without getting any money.

In this instance, Whitt said, the suspect is described as standing 5’ 9” to 6’, weighing 180 to 200 pounds, close-cut hair, no facial hair, and wearing a blue shirt with white design on the front pocket and on the back. He also wore black pants and black shoes.

At approximately 2:28 p.m., the suspect went to the Farm Fresh on Armory Drive, and this time reportedly wearing a grey tank top and holding the blue shirt. The man used the same ploy on the cashier. When the cash register was opened, he threatened and cursed the cashier, ordering her to put in money in a bag. But as a second employee approached, the suspect left without the money, and was seen getting into a burgundy Lincoln Town Car.

Franklin Police are working with authorities in Suffolk and Portsmouth, who have had similar robberies by a suspect matching the same description. If anyone has information about the suspect, they’re asked to call Franklin Crime Solvers at 562-8599. Information that leads to an arrest can earn the caller a cash reward while remaining anonymous.