Police: Man suspected in six gas station holdups - Chicago News and Weather | FOX 32 News

Police are asking the public's help to track down a man suspected of robbing at least six gas stations in early morning holdups since late July.

In each incident, the suspected robber confronted the gas station clerk between 1 a.m. and 4:15 a.m., according to a community alert issued by Area North detectives. He either pushes or physically restrains the clerk, or implies he has a gun before taking cash from the register and fleeing the scene.

The most recent robbery happened Friday in the 5000 block of North Western Avenue about 1:20 a.m., the alert said.

Police suspect the same man robbed at least five other gas stations since late July, in the 3800 to 4000 blocks of North Western Avenue and the 4000 block of North Clark Street.

He is described as a black man about 20 to 25 years old, between 5-foot-10 and 6-foot-2 and roughly 200 to 220 pounds, the alert said. He has short black hair and a dark complexion.

Authorities are warning business owners to make sure that the door to the gas station attendant booth is closed and locked at all times, and that stations have working video surveillance and hold up alarms. Employees are urged to call 911 to report any suspicious people or activities.

Anyone with information about these robberies is asked to call Area North detectives at (312) 744-8263.