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Police In Chester County Search For Robbery Suspect Targeting Women As They Leave Work

By Justin Finch

CALN TOWNSHIP, Pa. (CBS) -- Police are looking for at least one man after two robberies in the area of a Chester County strip mall.

Over the weekend, authorities say two women were robbed as they left work.

On Nov. 8, sources tell Eyewitness News a manager was leaving the Pizza Hut at about 10 p.m. with a bank deposit bag in her hand.

Just as she got into her car, the woman told Caln Township Police she was ambushed by a man in all black who wrestled the bag from her grip.

Police say she identified the suspect as a black man about 6'1, 175 lbs, and wearing all black.

Shoppers, who consider the area safe, shuddered at the thought of putting themselves in the manager's shoes.

"I would just run. I'd be too scared," said Dominique Falconieri.

Almost 24 hours later, and a couple of hundred feet away, police were called to the scene of a second and very similar heist.

A worker from Amelia's Grocery Outlet was heading to her car at about 9:30 p.m.

As she got inside of her car in the dark parking lot, she said a man suddenly pepper sprayed in her face.

Too stunned to react, the bandit reportedly used the time to pick through valuables in her car and escape.

By the end of the weekend, police were left with the case of two women targeted at night as they left work.

"It's scary, but it can't stop you from doing what you have to do, and it makes you more alert," said shopper from Wendy Dickerhoff.

The second victim was taken to Brandywine Hospital to recover; but with the loss of her eyesight, was never able to get a good enough look at the man who attacked her.

Shopper Gerri Allen is looking forward to increased patrols in the area, and a capture.

"I hope they find him very soon, wherever he may be."

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