Gwinnett County police are searching for a man they describe as armed and dangerous in connection with a series of armed robberies of businesses across the county.
The suspect is wanted in connection with 13 stickups since Nov. 30, including three in Norcross, one in Lawrenceville and one in Lilburn, according to Gwinnett police spokesman Cpl. Jake Smith.
Police in each of those cities are conducting their own investigations, working with Gwinnett County detectives, Smith said Thursday.
“The suspect has primarily targeted cell phone stores, but has also robbed two appliance stores, a tobacco shop, and attempted a robbery at a Days Inn,” Smith said. “The suspect frequently went into these locations under the pretense of having business there. He usually returned a short time later and conducted the robbery at gunpoint.”
The man steals only cash, usually getting between $400 and $1,000, though in some incidents he did not get anything, Smith said.
"He has become increasingly physical, but has not injured anyone," Smith said. "He usually forces employees to stay in a bathroom or office until he leaves, but he has not bound or injured anyone."
Police described the suspect as a black man, 6 feet tall, weighing 180 to 200 pounds, with short black hair, a thin mustache and a thin goatee. He usually wears a baseball cap and displays a handgun in the robberies.
On multiple occasions, the man was seen fleeing in a Dodge Charger. The car was described as silver in color, with a 2006 to 2010 body style and a sunroof and stock chrome wheels. Witnesses did not get the tag number.
“We consider this suspect armed and dangerous,” Smith said. “Anyone encountering this suspect is asked to immediately call 911.”
Anyone with information about the man can contact Gwinnett police detectives at 770-513-5300, or Atlanta Crime Stoppers at 404-557-8477 or www.crimestoppersatlanta.org.
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