Buffalo, NY — A two-week robbery spree that stretched across Buffalo convenience stores, a restaurant, and a residential burglary ended with the arrest of a 54-year-old man accused of threatening victims with what appeared to be a firearm during multiple holdups, according to Buffalo Police.
Buffalo Police Department investigators said Peter Skinner, 54, faces multiple felony charges tied to at least six separate incidents between May 12 and May 20, including robberies at two 7-Eleven stores, a Tops gas station, and an assault during a home burglary on Peter Street. Detectives also recovered a black BB gun and other items believed connected to the crimes during a search warrant executed on Peter Street.
Police said the investigation linked Skinner to robberies that targeted workers handling cash in everyday neighborhood businesses, with several incidents occurring within days of each other.
Investigators Tie Multiple Crimes to One Suspect
According to the Buffalo Police Department, the first robbery happened May 12 at the 7-Eleven located at 584 Ontario Street. Investigators said the suspect displayed what appeared to be a firearm before stealing roughly $400 to $500 from the register.
A second robbery at the same store followed May 17. Police said the suspect again showed what appeared to be a gun and took approximately $200 to $300 in cash.
That same day, investigators connected Skinner to a forcible robbery at Hot Mama’s Canteen on Military Road, where about $150 was allegedly taken from an employee. Police also linked him to a street robbery on Peter Street later on May 17.
The alleged crime spree escalated again on May 18 when police said the suspect broke into a Peter Street residence, assaulted the victim, and stole cash from the home.
Two days later, on May 20, Buffalo Police said the suspect targeted the Tops gas station at 345 Amherst Street, where an employee was threatened with what appeared to be a firearm before cash, lighters, and other property were stolen.
Key Points
• Buffalo Police linked one suspect to at least six robberies and burglary-related crimes across the city
• Detectives recovered a black BB gun, clothing, and other evidence during a Peter Street search warrant
• Peter Skinner, 54, faces multiple felony robbery, burglary, assault, and criminal mischief charges
Search Warrant Led Detectives to Evidence
Buffalo Police said D District detectives executed a search warrant on Peter Street as part of the investigation. During the search, investigators recovered several items believed tied to the robberies, including clothing, lighters, and a black BB gun allegedly used during several of the incidents.
The department did not say whether additional suspects could be involved, but investigators noted the case remains active and more charges are possible.
Skinner has been charged with three counts of first-degree robbery, four counts of second-degree robbery, one count of third-degree robbery, one count of second-degree burglary, one count of second-degree assault, and one count of third-degree criminal mischief, according to Buffalo Police.
The charges include multiple class B, C, D, and E felonies under New York State law.
“This investigation remains ongoing and additional charges remain possible,” the Buffalo Police Department said in the release issued Friday.
Businesses and Workers Caught in Rapid Series of Crimes
The incidents unfolded across several parts of Buffalo over a little more than a week, impacting convenience store workers, restaurant employees, and at least one resident inside a private home.
Several of the robberies involved threats with what victims believed was a firearm, according to investigators. Police later identified the recovered weapon as a black BB gun allegedly connected to the incidents.
The pattern of crimes also showed repeated targeting of businesses where employees handled accessible cash, including the repeated robbery of the same Ontario Street 7-Eleven within five days.
Buffalo Police have not released court appearance details or information about whether Skinner has legal representation.
The investigation remains ongoing as detectives continue reviewing evidence connected to the robberies and burglary.
