Police seek suspect trying to pass counterfeit $50 bills at Dollar General

Buena Vista police are asking for help identifying a man who attempted to pass counterfeit $50 bills at two Midland Trail businesses and fled before leaving the stores with merchandise. Police say the incidents occurred on Sunday, Feb. 15, at approximately 11:30 a.m. at the Dollar General and the CVS on Midland Trail.

Police reports indicate the suspect tried to use two counterfeit $50 bills at each store, and did not obtain any merchandise. "The individual did not receive any merchandise and fled the scene on foot," the Buena Vista Police Department said in its statement quoted by local media.

Security footage and photos released by the Buena Vista Police Department show a Black male about six feet tall and weighing roughly 185 pounds. In the images the man is wearing a tan zip-front jacket, a dark shirt, black pants and light-colored sneakers, and a knit hat bearing bold "New Orleans" lettering; The News‑Gazette notes the footage shows a black knit hat with a gold band containing the words "New Orleans."

After the attempts at the two stores, the suspect ran from the scene on foot. Police say he is believed to have possibly left the area in a white vehicle that was last seen traveling westbound on East Midland Trail; the make and model are unknown. No arrests have been reported and the department continues to seek leads.

The Buena Vista Police Department posted the security photos and asked residents to review them for identification. Anyone with information about the incidents or the identity or whereabouts of the suspect is asked to contact the Rockbridge County 911 Center at (540) 261-6171.

The department’s release, which multiple local stations and newspapers picked up, focused on the two attempted transactions and the suspect description. Investigators have not indicated additional businesses were targeted beyond the Dollar General and CVS on Midland Trail, and officials have not released further details about the potential white vehicle.