Rockford man charged in string of armed robberies ROCKFORD — A 38-year-old Rockford man has been charged in connection with a string of armed robberies and attempted robberies at convenience stores last week. Bernard Beard faces three counts of armed robbery and one count of attempted armed robbery, Rockford police said Wednesday in a news release. He's accused of robbing Circle K gas station, 2225 W. Riverside Blvd., on Jan. 27, Smokes & More, 2645 20th St., on Jan. 28, and Family Dollar, 3824 Broadway, on Jan. 30. He's accused of attempted armed robbery at J&F Tobacco, 2410 S. Alpine Road, on Jan. 28. Police ask that anyone with additi information contact the department at 815-966-2900 or on Facebook or Twitter. You can also leave an anonymous tip with Rockford Area Crime Stoppers at 815-963-7867.