Fayetteville police search for suspects in similar business robberies

At approximately 9:15 p.m. on Thursday, a suspect walked into the China 1 restaurant at 3308 Bragg Boulevard, pointed a handgun at the clerk and demanded money before leaving, officials said.

The suspect was described as a 5-foot-4 black male with a thin build and "soft" low voice. The man was wearing a blue zip-up Nike hooded sweatshirt, dark jeans and black sneakers.

Police said before the robbery, another unknown male purchased a drink inside the restaurant. That suspect was seen driving a white Chevy Impala, which was seen speeding from the area after the robbery.

The second robbery occurred a few hours later at the Wingate Hotel at 4182 Sycamore Dairy Road. Police said the same suspect who bought a drink at China 1 was seen inside the hotel asking for room prices. When that subject left, the suspect wearing the blue hooded sweatshirt entered the business and pointed a weapon at the clerk.

Authorities said the suspect left without obtaining any money from the business. After the suspect left, the same white Impala was seen leaving the scene.

Police have released surveillance video of both robberies.

Anyone with information about the robberies should call the Fayetteville Police Department at 910-433-1856 or Crime Stoppers at 910-483-8477.