Armed Robber Targets Smokaha Tobacco Smoke Shop in Southeast Lincoln

LINCOLN, Nebraska — Authorities are investigating a Monday night armed robbery at a smoke shop in southeast Lincoln, where a masked man pulled a gun on a store employee and fled with merchandise after failing to obtain cash.

According to the Lincoln Police Department, officers were called to Smokaha Tobacco, located near 56th Street and Nebraska Parkway, around 9:15 p.m. on Monday, October 27, 2025. A 21-year-old female employee reported that a man entered the shop, brandished a handgun, and demanded money from the register.

Suspect Jumps Counter to Steal Merchandise

When the employee explained that she did not have access to the cash register codes to open the drawer, the suspect bypassed the register. He leaped over the service counter, snatched an undisclosed amount of vape and tobacco products from the display shelves, and stuffed them into a bag.

The suspect then ran out of the store and was last seen heading on foot in a westerly direction. Fortunately, the employee was not physically injured during the encounter.

The suspect is described as a male wearing:

• A black hooded sweatshirt
• Black pants
• White athletic shoes
• Gloves
• A face mask covering his nose and mouth

“We are currently reviewing surveillance footage from Smokaha Tobacco as well as neighboring businesses,” said police spokesperson Officer Tom Ward. “We ask residents in the area to check their security cameras or dashcams for any suspicious individuals matching this description between 9:00 p.m. and 9:45 p.m. on Monday night.”

Anyone with information about this armed robbery is encouraged to call the Lincoln Police Department non-emergency line or submit an anonymous tip through Lincoln Crime Stoppers.