GLOUCESTER, Va. — The Gloucester County Sheriff's Office is undertaking an unusual investigation.
A spokesperson said in the early hours of Monday morning, two people went into a 7-Eleven store in Gloucester Point and used a chainsaw to break into two gaming machines.
The store is in the 2100 block of George Washington Memorial Highway, across from Scoot's Barbecue.
"Things are crazy out here right now. Gas is almost $5 a gallon," said resident Katie Stiff. Some customers like her are not only worried about gas prices, but also reports of chainsaw-wielding thieves.
A post on the GCSO Facebook Page alleges that the thieves "went immediately to the Queen of Virginia gaming machines" and cut them open. Investigators said they took cash from inside them, but it's not clear how much money was stolen.
"I thought it was wild. I've heard of, in my lifetime, just a handful of robberies that's happened around here. None of them have been something like trying to take a chainsaw in," said lifelong resident Vincent Black.
The sheriff's office thinks the suspects left on a motorcycle going down Tidemill Road, towards Guinea Road. This would have been just before 4 a.m.
"That's crazy to me as well. I live down Guinea Road," Black added.
Black said he used to work late nights at another 7-Eleven down the road. He's growing more concerned about slots-like machines in store.
"I just really feel like a bad element has come with these machines to 7-Elevens, especially for overnight workers," said Black.
"I've seen people get frustrated at them before or like banging on the machines or something. Does it exactly promote a good clientele? Maybe not so much," Stiff added.
Stiff urged everyone to stay alert and aware.
"I've never felt unsafe, but I'm pretty sure if it was 4 a.m. and I saw chainsaws, I'd feel pretty unsafe," she said.
The release said that morning, one person was wearing a yellow sweatshirt and a chrome German-style helmet, and the other suspect was seen wearing a dark sweatshirt and a white classic-style helmet, with a bandana.
The post didn't give a physical description of either of the two suspects, apart from their clothing.
There were no reports of anyone hurt.
Additionally, it's not clear at this time whether there is surveillance footage. 13News Now is waiting to hear back more details from GCOS and 7-Eleven corporate about this case.
If you know anything that could help the sheriff's office, call them at 804-693-3890 or contact the area's Crime Line at 1-888-LOCK-U-UP.
If you call the Crime Line, you can stay anonymous, and if your tip leads to an arrest you could be eligible for a cash reward. Tipsters can reference case number 2022-00696.