By Billy Davis

A convenience store customer who claimed he needed help with directions robbed the Batesville business early Sunday morning.

Batesville police said the robbery of The C Store, an Exxon station, was reported at 2:29. The store is located at Highway 6 and Power Drive in east Batesville.

The robber was described as a white male in his mid-20s. He fled in a maroon Dodge Charger.

Batesville police have since sent a BOLO to other authorities with a description of the driver and vehicle.

After asking for directions, the robber passed the store clerk a card that announced he wanted cash, said BPD Chief Tony Jones. No weapon was displayed.

“He said he wanted cigarettes, and when the clerk turned around he slid a card to her to announce the holdup,” said Jones.

Jones said police believe the driver headed south on Interstate 55, then explained why: 10 minutes before robbing The C Store, Batesville police officer Lt. John Miller saw the same suspect inside Maggie T’s, the truck stop located at Highway 35 and Interstate 55.

Miller overheard the suspect referring to a town in Louisiana.

“It looks like this person was moving down the interstate until he found a place to rob,” said Jones.