HOUSTON—Crime Stoppers is now offering a reward for the capture of a serial robber known as the "Parka Bandit" who targets auto parts businesses. Investigators have linked the suspect to 14 different robberies in the city. Police say in each of the crimes, the suspect entered the store wearing a fur-trimmed, hooded parka, pulled a gun, forced customers to the ground and demanded cash from the store’s safe or cash register. In some of the robberies, the man was joined by another suspect. Police first released information about the suspect during a news conference on February 17. Since then, they believe he has committed two or three additional robberies of auto parts stores. One of the locations had been hit previously. HPD investigators fear the crimes will escalate. "This guy is dangerous, this is just a mistake away from a tragedy," Officer Colleen Nelson said. In an effort to locate the suspect, a $7,500 reward is being offered for any information that leads to an ID or arrest. If you have any information, you are asked to call Crime Stoppers at 713-222-TIPS or HPD. Tips can also be sent by text message - Text TIP610 plus your tip to CRIMES (274637). You can choose to remain anonymous.
