Police searching for serial robber

TAMPA - Police are looking for a serial robber targeting local convenience stores, and they are worried that the armed man is getting bolder with each holdup.

Tampa police investigators say the suspect walks in to a store wearing sunglasses, a hat, and latex gloves. His shopping list, Detective Jeff McGrath says, usually includes everything that is in the cash register.

"He walks in typically when there are no customers in the store, he browses the store, he looks around, then he approaches the clerk and that's when he displays the firearm and makes the demand, " said Det. McGrath.

Police say the suspect has robbed three different convenience stores in Tampa, including the Sonoco Market on West Waters Avenue. Store clerk Kazi Iqblbal described how it happened.

"He takes one candy. He dropped the keys on the floor and pulled out the gun, " said Kazi.

Kazi says he has been told to never argue with a man holding a gun.

"We don't want hassle. They ask for money...give them the money, " said Kazi.

The suspect was caught on tape during the robberies and investigators say in at least one case someone got a good look at the getaway car.

"In one of the cases, a green, smaller SUV was seen leaving after the suspect got into it. It's described as a Scion XP, a newer model, possibly a 2008, " said Det. McGrath.

In all three robberies, detectives say the suspect demands money, grabs the cash and leaves, but they believe if he isn't caught soon more trouble could be ahead.

"We fear that the danger and the violence is going to increase with each robbery if it continues, " said Det. McGrath.

Investigators say they do not really have any tips or leads in these robberies at the moment and urge anyone who might recognize the suspect to call Tampa police.