NYPD searching for man suspected of stealing $6K in 5 separate robberies in Bronx
MOTT HAVEN, Bronx (WABC) -- New York City police are searching for a man they believe is behind five separate robberies at stores in a two-block radius in the Bronx.
Authorities say the first robbery happened on Feb. 10 and the most recent happened last week on April 3.
The string of robberies usually happen the same way -- the suspect enters the business, flashes a gun and then runs off with cash.
Police say he has stolen nearly $6,000 so far.
There were no major injuries reported by the victims in the robberies, but one victim, a cashier robbed on March 31, was treated at a local hospital after a second suspect used pepper spray on him.
"I was thinking about my kids when they sprayed me - like are they going to shoot me?" Ali Saleh said. The 31-year-old father of five said he is just trying to support his family.
Police say the suspects got away with $400 from M & S Candy and Grocery while Saleh was on the floor with his eyes burning.
But the score at the grocery store just down the block on Feb. 10 was much bigger at $4,000.
"That's probably a third of the profit for the week and that eats into employees' payroll, so it's a hardship," said former store owner Alberto Valentin.
The owner says the cashier in that incident is now fearful to be at work.
"She said more police presence in the neighborhood would actually help, but after midnight you don't see them driving around, walking in," said store owner Marcia Portoriel.
Anyone with information is asked to call the NYPD's Crime Stoppers Hotline at 1-800-577-TIPS (8477) or for Spanish, 1-888-57-PISTA (74782).
ALSO READ | Robbery victim speaks out as NYPD investigates bigger crime spree: 'I thought I was going to die'
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