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'Cookie Bandit' now tied to 3 Tempe robberies

Reported by: Christopher Sign
Email: csign@abc15.com
Reported by: Jesse Hamilton
Last Update: 10/30/2008 12:39 am

	'Cookie Bandit' now tied to 3 Tempe robberies
	Police concerned 'Cookie Bandit' may soon strike again
	UPDATE: Cookie bandit strikes again in Valley

Serial robber known as the "shady bandit"

Click the play button on the video window to the see the story

Police now say they're linking three more cases to six others committed by the so-called "cookie bandit".

Wednesday afternoon Tempe Sgt. Scott Smith said it appears the same serial robber has struck three times in the city of Tempe.

"We believe he held up two sandwich shops and another business over the past month or so," said Smith.

If the Tempe cases are connected to those in Ahwatukee, the "cookie bandit" could be responsible for as many as nine armed robberies.

"We are concerned, that's why our (Tempe) detectives and Phoenix detectives have teamed up and are working around the clock to stop this man," said Smith.

One of the Tempe cases took place near Rural & Baseline Roads, the two others occurred near Hardy Drive and Elliot Road.

Phoenix police said the serial robber has mainly targeted restaurants between 40th to 48th streets and Warner Road to Chandler Boulevard in Ahwatukee.

His latest crime took place at a Papa John’s restaurant near 43rd Street and Ray Road just before 10:00 p.m. Monday.

Detectives believe he may have targeted Quizno’s, Subway's and a beauty supply store in Ahwatukee.

Investigators said the man used a sawed-off shotgun in the crimes.

An Ahwatukee restaurant worker's actions might have surprised the gunman known as the "cookie bandit" leading him to leave before demanding money.

"I was really scared, I was working, look up and see the guy come in, the robber come in," said one female employee who came face to face with the wanted serial robber.

The restaurant employee, who asked that her name not be published, said she had been given a description of the wanted man a day before he walked into her store.

He got the name “cookie bandit” after he held up Subway restaurant employees and asked if they had cookies.

But in another crime he asked a different question, according to an employee at a Quizno’s store.

"Do you have any five-dollar subs?" said the worker who wanted to remain anonymous.

One employee darted out the back door during that robbery which may have stunned the robber who then turned around and walked out of the restaurant.

"So I turned around and she was gone," he said. "Then it dawned on me that this is the guy that’s been robbing all the Subways and Quizno’s and stuff."

Police said they are not sure how he chose his targets.

"We’re not really sure how he’s picking these places he’s picking," said Sergeant Jay Scott of the Phoenix Police Department. "We’re not sure if he’s scoping them out or if it’s an opportunist thing."

Police said the heavy-set suspect wears all black and a black beanie and usually hits as the sun sets.

Nobody has been hurt in any of the crimes.

"This is a priority, we are working very hard to stop this guy and if anyone sees him or knows him, give us a call immediately," said Scott.

"It doesn't matter what patch is on your uniform, we're all police officers and no matter what agency we work together, and our top priority is to keep every city safe, we'll find this man," said Smith.

It's not clear at this point if the man has a car parked nearby or uses a bicycle to escape the crime scenes.

If you have any information on the man, call Silent Witness at 480-WITNESS.