Police searching for armed robber targeting small businesses on Long Island

VALLEY STREAM, Long Island (WABC) -- Police on Long Island are looking for a suspect in a series of armed robberies of small businesses.

Investigators say the same man robbed several businesses in Nassau County in the last year, in the Valley Stream, Franklin Square, Elmont, Hewlett and Lynbrook areas.

"This subject is brazen and aggressive and has injured one individual during one of the robbery attempts by slashing the victim's arm," said Det. Lt. Richard LeBrun, Nassau County Police Department.

The 21 stores include stationary, pharmacies, gas stations, restaurants and liquor stores, and beauty supply shops.

Police say the same suspect hit Charlene's Gift Shop in valley stream four times and the Ultra Gas Mart just down the block on three different occasions.

Authorities say the robber walks in with a large knife and demands cash.

Sometimes he takes the entire cash drawer, police say. In recent cases, he has stolen cash and cigarettes.

"We believe that he's staking out the stores. He makes sure that there is nobody in the store most of the time, and he's very quick. He's in and out," LeBrun said.

According to investigators, the suspect flees in a white sedan, possibly a Honda Accord, with New York license plates.

The suspect is described as 5'10" - 6', thin build, wearing a black jacket with a hooded sweatshirt under, ski mask or scarf covering the lower face, gloves and white soled sneakers.

A $5,000 reward is now being offered for information leading to his arrest.

Anyone with information is asked to contact the Nassau County Police Department Robbery Squad at 516-573-8040 and refer to Robbery Squad Pattern 7-15.