Staff Writer

Detectives with the Troy Police Department are investigating three armed robberies that occurred over the holiday weekend.

All three ­ at two businesses and one residence ­ were reported on Sunday, Chief Anthony Everage said.

The first reported robbery occurred early Sunday morning "at an establishment on U.S. Highway 29 North" the second business was "a local motel located on U.S. 231 in Troy," stated a release from the police department.

At approximately 3:25 a.m., at least two and possibly three suspects entered the business and robbed the owner and five patrons. Police advised the suspects were reportedly armed with a shotgun and an assault rifle. Money and liquor was reportedly taken from the business. Personal property and money was reportedly taken from the people in the business during the incident.

The suspects were described as 5-foot-9, 150 pounds; 6-foot-2 tall, 270 pounds and approximately 6 feet tall and weighing between 200 and 220 pounds. They reportedly fled the scene in a red vehicle, heading toward Troy.

The second robbery reportedly occurred at approximately 9:10 p.m. Sunday when two suspects entered the motel and attempted to gain entry to the locked office area. One of the suspects was reportedly armed with a pistol and the second suspect attempted to open the office door. Their attempt to enter the office was not successful and they left the scene on foot in an unknown direction. The clerk was not injured and no property was taken.

According to police officials, one suspect was wearing a mask and the other individual was wearing a toboggan. The suspects were described as being in their early to mid-20s and approximately 6-foot-2. One of the men weighed approximately 230 pounds and the other weighed about 180 pounds.

A "home-invasion-type offense" occurred around 9:50 p.m. at Park and Elm Streets.

Two suspects reportedly entered the residence unannounced and robbed the victims of personal property at gun point, according to information released by Everage.

One of the suspects was armed with a pistol and was wearing a mask, light colored shirt and dark pants. He was described as being 6-foot-2, 230 pounds and in his mid-20s. The second subject was wearing a toboggan and dark denim jacket. He was about the same age and height and weighed about 180 pounds.

As in the two previous incidents, nobody was injured during the commission of the crime.

Troy police believe the two Sunday night incidents were committed by the same suspects and have not ruled out all three are connected.

Everage is asking anyone with information about these robberies or the individuals who committed them, to call the Troy Police Department at 566-0500 or the Secret Witness Line at 566-5555.