9 Nassau County gas station robberies possibly linked to 6 in Suffolk

LAKEVIEW, N.Y. (WABC) -- Police on Long Island are investigating a string of robberies crossing county lines that may be connected.

A ninth gas station robbery Wednesday night in Westbury makes nine total in Nassau County, while Suffolk County police have their own pattern of six.

If connected, that would be 15 gas station robberies since the beginning of August.

A police sketch of the suspect:

Danny Persaud is a gas station owner, and three of his locations have been hit as part of the pattern.

"It's very, very difficult for my guys to be here, especially at night," gas station owner Danny Persaud said. "They're scared."

Nassau County Executive Ed Mangano, acting District Attorney Madeline Singas and police officers from both counties on Friday announced that they're also working with the FBI.

No injuries have been reported so far, but police say the suspect displayed a firearm in each incident, which is cause for concern that the non-violence streak may end soon.

Police narrated surveillance videos to explain to customers and employees what they should be aware of as they head to gas stations.

"You'll notice he always has a rag in his hand to cover the weapon, in case anyone challenges him," acting Nassau County Police Commissioner Thomas Krumpter said. "Notice the bucket hat, the express T-shirt, his footwear. He seems to be in good shape.

The suspect is described as a black male, about 5-foot-10 with a medium build and wearing a black T-shirt and a dark-colored hat.

Anyone with information regarding any of the incidents is asked to call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-244-TIPS. All callers will remain anonymous.