2 Fresno 7-Eleven stores robbed at gunpoint an hour apart

FRESNO, Calif. (KFSN) -- Police are investigating after two Fresno 7-Eleven convenience stores were robbed at gunpoint Friday morning.

The first one happened after 1:50 a.m. Friday on Ashlan Avenue near Parkway Drive in Northwest Fresno.

Detectives say the man had the clerk empty the register and stole tobacco products.

An hour later, a similar crime happened 11 miles across the city at Church and Chestnut avenues in Southeast Fresno.

Just before 3 am, police say a man with a handgun entered the store and stole money and tobacco products.

Police don't know how much money or tobacco was taken in either case.

They did say no customers were in either store at the time and no one was hurt.

Officer Christopher Clark had advice for people who have to work late night shifts at convenience stores.

"If you see something that looks out of the ordinary definitely call the police, we're here to help. If you see something that just doesn't feel right or something that's unusual you can always close the business until you feel safe," said Clark.

A clerk at the Northwest Fresno location confirmed they had surveillance video they handed over to police.

Fresno police are asking for anyone with information that could help the investigation to reach out.

For news updates, follow Kate Nemarich on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.