FREMONT, OH (WTOL) - Fremont Police have linked at least three armed robberies that span Northwest Ohio. In all of the cases, a single suspect robs businesses at gunpoint, pointing the weapon at employees.
Fremont Police said the first armed robbery took place on January 12th at the Marathon Gas station on East State Street. Detectives said the suspect walked into the gas station at night, pointed a gun at the clerk and demanded cash. The suspect fled on foot.
Detectives believe on January 14th, that same suspect robbed a McDonalds in Oak Harbor. Detectives said the suspect waited until the fast food restaurant was about to close and followed an employee in through the back door. Police said the suspect again showed a gun, and held the employees at gunpoint while taking cash.
On January 18th, detectives believe the same suspect robbed a Wendy's on Central Ave. in Sylvania Township, again holding employees at gunpoint around closing time.
The suspect was caught on surveillance at all of the locations. Fremont Police Detectives said the suspect's physical description, weapon and method seem to be the same for all of the armed robberies.
"It appears to be done right at closing time, the suspect is waiting for them outside. Its employees come out, whether it be to take out the trash, he walks them back in, the suspect walks them back in with a gun," said Detective Sean O'Connell with the Fremont Police Department.
No one has been hurt during the robberies. Detectives believe the suspect will continue the crime spree until he is caught.
"I'd say it's very violent. There's certainly a risk of a threat," said Det. O'Connell.
Detectives said this case is unusual, because the suspect has hit locations that span so many miles.
"For the same suspect to venture off into Sylvania Township, that neck of the woods, that's a little puzzling. That's a little different than what we see in the norm... A robber of this nature will stay in the same area, he won't typically venture out too far, in my experience. So, this one does throw us for a bit of a loop," said Det. O'Connell.
Detectives are looking for a white male, between 5'9 and 6' with an average build. He often wears a long, black leather trench coat and a white scarf with tassels.
Police have searched three homes, interviewed several witnesses and also possible suspects but are still unsure who is committing the armed robberies.
Anyone with information is asked to called Fremont Police at 419-332-6464.
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