Rocky Mount Police Search For 'BB Bandit'

Rocky Mount authorities say the "BB Bandit" has targeted homes, businesses and cars over the past two weeks.

As if getting ready for the holidays is not stressful enough, employees at Lifeway Christian Bookstore have another headache to deal with -- one created by vandals.

Someone shot into store windows with a BB gun. The cost to replace the windows is more than $400.

"This could not come at a worse time," store manager Mark Qualls said. "We were setting up window displays."

Two neighboring stores also were hit. The glass at both Old Navy and Goody's is shattered.

In the last two weeks, someone shot out more than 80 windows in the Rocky Mount area. They have hit homes, businesses and many cars in parking lots.

"It is getting serious because we're talking about thousands of dollars' worth of damage now," an investigator said.

Rocky Mount police are tracking the "BB Bandit" on a city map that shows how the incidents are scattered.

Police believe the suspects are probably teenagers who see the vandalism as a night of fun. They do not have any solid leads, so they are offering a reward for any information.

"If it happens again," Qualls said, "we're probably not going to replace the window until after Christmas."

Lifeway employees also hope to make repairs and get through the busy shopping season without another hit from the bandit.

Anyone with any information is asked to contact the Rocky Mount police.