Suspect under arrest in spree of Manhattan business robberies

NEW YORK (WABC) -- A suspected serial robber who may be linked to more cases than previously thought is now behind bars.

Police took 47-year old Kenneth Nottage of Staten Island into custody Saturday.

He is charged with four counts of robbery, and that number is expected to rise.

Police say Nottage held up 12 stores and restaurants in nine days.

He allegedly threatened clerks with a knife or gun and took cash from the registers.

Most of the crimes were in the East Village, but police say he recently targeted stores in Upper Manhattan.

According to police, in all cases the robber entered the locations, either displayed a knife or pretends to have a firearm, and demanded money. He then removed cash, and fled on foot.