LANCASTER, Pa. (WHTM) -
Police in Lancaster County have arrested two men in the armed robberies of three businesses this week.
Evan Blank, 21, of Paradise, was charged in the Tuesday night robberies at the Lancaster Food and Fuel and the Lancaster Travel Plaza, both on Lincoln Highway East in Ronks, and a hold-up Monday night at the Cherry Lane Motel on North Ronks Road, according to East Lampeter Township police.
Shaun Appler, 26, of Quarryville, was arrested for the robbery of the Cherry Lane Motel. Additional charges are expected against him for the robberies at Lancaster Food and Fuel and the Lancaster Travel Plaza, police said.
Both men were sent to the Lancaster County Prison. Blank was being held on $150,000 cash bail and Appler was being held on $75,000 cash bail.
In the robberies on Lincoln Highway East, police said a robber showed a handgun while demanding money from the clerks, who were not injured. The robber of the Cherry Lane Motel fled when the clerk was unable to give him any money.
Police said the quick arrests of Blank and Appler came after they released a surveillance photograph that showed the robber entering the Lancaster Food and Fuel.
West Lampeter Township police said charges are pending against Appler and Blank in a fourth robbery, at the God Bless America gas station in Willow Street on Jan. 12.
State police were investigating two similar robberies, at a Hess Express in Providence Township on Sunday and a Turkey Hill store in Gap on Monday.
In the earlier crimes, investigators said the robber disguised himself by wearing a motorcycle helmet into the store.
Shaun Appler
Evan Blank
