JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – Detectives believe three armed robberies of Southside Jacksonville businesses in the last three weeks are connected, and the Jacksonville Sheriff's Office on Friday released surveillance videos of the man believed to have held up the stores.
The first robbery was Nov. 21 at the Publix on University Boulevard West. The Circle K on Old St. Augustine Road was held up on Monday evening, and the Big Lots on Old St. Augustine Road was robbed the next evening.
In each case, the robber did not show a firearm, but implied or demonstrated the possibility of having a gun, police said.
In each of the robberies, the robber was described as a bald black man, 5 feet 8 inches to 6 feet tall and weighing 230 to 250 pounds.
"He sounds like a desperate person. The holidays are coming. He's probably looking for a means to make some money, quick money, but, yeah, he's doing it the wrong way," said Samuel Heffner who lives near the Big Lots.
Heffner said the area is getting more dangerous.
"Over the past years, there's been more carjackings and robberies. It's definitely concerning," Heffner said. "Let people know where you're going and just be careful. The weather is bad. People are cold. People are desperate."
Anyone who recognizes the man in the photos or knows anything about the robberies is asked to contact the Jacksonville Sheriff's Office at 904-630-0500 or email JSOCrimeTips@jaxsheriff.org. To remain anonymous and receive a possible reward up to $3,000, call Crime Stoppers at 866-845-TIPS.