Armed robbery in Ballard

On July 22nd, at approximately 6:45 PM, North Precinct officers responded to a report of an armed robbery to a gas station in the 5700 Block of 15th Avenue NW.  The suspect, described as a white male, 30-35 years old, with close-cropped light brown or reddish-orange hair and goatee, wearing a white long sleeved shirt and black pants, fled the store carrying cigarettes and beer.  When the clerk gave chase the suspect pulled out a black handgun and pointed at the clerk.  The employee ran back to the store to call 911.  It is possible that the suspect may have fled the area as a passenger in a red 1990s Ford Windstar van.  Officers conducted an area check but did not locate the suspect.  Detectives will now handle the follow up investigation.