Shoppers preparing for Hurricane Sandy weren't the only ones cleaning out stores in Stafford County on Sunday.

Employees at two Stafford businesses were robbed Sunday by different gunmen, police said.

According to Sheriff's Maj. David Decatur, a man entered the CVS at 388 Garrisonville Road at 5:13 p.m. and walked up to the counter with a pack of gum. As the clerk began to ring up the purchase, the man displayed a silver handgun and demanded money.

In an apparent attempt to speed up the clerk, the man began counting down from five to one as he pointed the gun at the clerk, Decatur said.

He got an undisclosed amount of cash and left. He was described as white, between 28 and 35, 5 feet 10 to 6 feet 2 inches tall and about 200 pounds. He was wearing a gray hoodie, gray or black pants, sunglasses and had a red towel around his neck and head.

About three hours later, another gunman entered the China King at 11 Hope Road near Stafford Courthouse. Decatur said he pointed a black handgun at several employees and ordered them not to move as he reached into the cash register and took money.

He ran out of the business and headed north.

That gunman was described as black, between 30 and 40, wearing a full ski mask. Witnesses said he was between 5 feet 6 and 5 feet 8 with a thin build.

Anyone with information on either of these robberies is asked to call the Sheriff's Office at 540/658-4400 or Crime Solvers at 540/659-2020.

Keith Epps: 540/374-5404
Email: kepps@freelancestar.com