Police are asking for public help in solving crimes

MINER -- Officials are seeking the public's assistance to solve several recent crimes.

On Monday, officers from the Miner Police Department respond to 2846 Hinton Park to investigate a front porch on fire, which was apparently the result of arson, according to Miner Police Chief Chris Griggs.

"The front porch was attached to a single-wide mobile home, and there were people inside sleeping," said Griggs in a news release. No one was injured by the fire, he said.

However, while investigating the incident, officers located an incendiary device near the victim's vehicle.

The Miner Police Department was assisted by the ATF, the Missouri State Fire Marshal's Office, and the Southeast Missouri Regional Bomb Squad.

"We are currently investigating this incident, and will be following leads," said Griggs.

Also under investigation are two armed robberies.

A cash reward is being offered for information leading to the arrest and conviction of two men who robbed Larry's Pit Stop at 10 p.m. Friday.

According to Griggs, two black males wearing disguises entered Larry's Pit Stop carrying handguns, and demanded money.

"Both of the on-duty clerks were assaulted," the police chief noted but were not seriously injured.

An undisclosed amount of money was taken by the men, who then left in a dark sedan traveling east on Malone Avenue.

One suspect is estimated to be between 5 feet 11 inches and 6 feet 1 inch tall and wearing a red baseball cap while the other is believed to be between 5 feet 8 inches and 5 feet 9 inches tall, according to Griggs. Both were estimated at weighing between 200 and 210 pounds and wearing bandanas.

For the entire story, see the April 11 Standard Democrat or click here to log on to the electronic edition.