Anchorage Daily News

A gun-wielding robber who has held up 15 businesses during the past four weeks continues to elude capture, leading Anchorage police to ask for the public's help in identifying him.

Brandishing a handgun, the robber has emptied cash registers at pull-tab parlors, hotels, gas stations and movie theaters since the spree began April 13, police Lt. Paul Honeman said.

"He's hitting all over; he's criss-crossing the town," Honeman said. "He's getting more emboldened."

At first, the robber would target businesses that were relatively empty, but he is now apparently not afraid to pull stick-ups when customers are around, Honeman said. No one has been injured during the robberies, in which the robber has made off with an undisclosed amount of cash.

While police can't be certain the same man is responsible for all the robberies, that appears to be the case, Honeman said.

"His description, clothing, demeanor -- everything is the same," Honeman said.

The robber demands money from clerks while showing a black pistol, and initially his attire changed depending on the time of day the robbery took place, according to police. For daytime robberies, he often wore a gray hooded sweatshirt, while evening robbery apparel included a puffy, black hooded coat.

He still frequently wears the coat, but lately has been changing things up a bit, donning a black leather jacket and beanie at the most recent robbery early Thursday morning. He often wears a ski mask, sunglasses and gloves during the robberies as well.

The suspect is described as dark-skinned, in his 20s and about 6 feet tall with a slender to medium build. An older model blue SUV may be connected to the robberies as well, according to police.

Anyone with information is asked to call Anchorage police at 786-8900. Anonymous tips can be called in to Crime Stoppers at 561-STOP. Crime Stoppers callers whose tips lead to an arrest can be eligible for a reward of up to $1,000.

Find James Halpin online at adn.com/contact/jhalpin or call him at 257-4589.