Serial robber targeting check stores

POMPANO BEACH, Fla. (WSVN) -- Police are looking for a repeat robber of check cashing stores in South Florida.

The stores have surveillance pictures of him pasted to their front doors, but that has not deterred the crook from coming in with a gun and demanding cash. At one store, they turned him away, but he came back three days later to rob them.

He has hit over 20 Advance America check cashing stores in Palm Beach and Broward Counties since December of 2007. But police fear his growing boldness could make him dangerous. "We're concerned that this guy is getting a little bit more violent and somebody's going to get hurt," said Boynton Beach Police Detective Alex Moreno.

Last month, in a store in Boynton Beach, he jumped over a counter and pulled out a gun and demanded that the clerk open a safe. He grabbed the cash, but on his way out he removed a stocking he had worn over his head in front of surveillance cameras, giving police and the public a clear look at his face. Police have provided several stills where he removed his disguise too quick.

Margate Police Detective Julio Fernandez described the crook's MO. "He walks into a store when there's nobody in, other than the employee. He's buzzed into the store, and as soon as he goes in, he puts down this stocking over his face, and he pulls out a gun."

Police describe his getaway car as a late 90s green or blue Honda Accord or Toyota Camry with driver's side damage and tinted windows. The vehicle may be missing some hubcaps, as well.

If you have any information on this robber, call Broward County Crime Stoppers at 954-493-TIPS. Remember, you can always remain anonymous, and you may be eligible for a reward worth up to $3500.

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