Local News

One arrested in string of Raleigh sweepstakes business robberies

Investigators are looking into a string of sweepstakes business robberies between Dec. 21. and Jan. 20.

Posted 2015-01-22T02:47:56+00:00 - Updated 2015-01-22T22:06:12+00:00

One person was arrested Thursday in connection with a string of sweepstakes business robberies in Raleigh between Dec. 21. and Jan. 20.

Ephraim D'Carus Smith, 24, was charged with robbery with a dangerous weapon in connection with the Jan. 20 robbery of Good Luck Sweepstakes at 3308 Capital Boulevard. Investigators said a CrimeStoppers tip played a significant role in Smith's arrest.

Detectives are searching for suspects in the other robberies:

Two men robbed Treasure Sweepstakes at 3689 New Bern Avenue on Dec. 21. At least one suspect was armed with a handgun.
Two men robbed Paradise Bingo at 2620 S. Saunders Street on Dec. 23. At least one suspect was armed with a handgun.
Two men attempted to enter Capital Sweepstakes at 3031 Capital Boulevard on Dec. 30, but fled after discovering the door was locked.
Three men robbed Magic Gold Sweepstakes at 4020 Capital Boulevard on Dec. 31. At least one suspect was armed with a handgun.
Two men robbed AIB Sweepstakes at 2416 Crabtree Boulevard on Jan. 15. At least one suspect was armed with a handgun.

Authorities believe some of the robberies are related.

Anyone with information about either of the robberies is asked to call Raleigh CrimeStoppers at (919) 834-HELP or visit raleighcrimestoppers.org for text and email reporting options. CrimeStoppers pays cash rewards for anonymous tips that help solve cases.