Investigators seeking armed suspect after holdup near Exit 59

Investigators are seeking the public's help to find a man suspected of armed robbery after he held up a gas station near Exit 59 on Oct. 29, according to the Lewis County Sheriff's Office.

Reports state a man believed to be in his 20s entered Cowlitz Shell on the 100 block of Mulford Rd. at around 8:30 p.m. and demanded cash from the clerk at gunpoint before fleeing on foot. He was described as 5' 6", 150 lbs with brown eyes and brown hair and was wearing dark clothing and a red bandanna across his face at the time.

When deputies arrived on scene, they were unable to locate the suspect, despite utilizing a K-9 unit, and believe he may have left in a vehicle after walking east from the station.

Those with information about this suspect are encouraged to call the Sheriff's Office at (360) 740-1266, and may also leave an anonymous tip for a possible cash reward through Lewis County Crime Stoppers at 1-800-748-6422.

It was reported the suspect made off with $320 and, due to the use of the firearm during the incident, authorities are seeking an arrest for first-degree robbery. Surveillance footage documenting the incident was also obtained from security cameras at the station, according to reports.

The clerk, a 26-year-old Vader woman, was described as uninjured.