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The Dalton Police Department are spotlighing five armed robberies between Nov. 12 and Nov. 27 involving Hispanic businesses. The suspect, described as Hispanic, has worn some sort of white mask or bandanna to cover his face in each incident, and he has used a chrome or stainless steel semi-automatic handgun each time.A man who has used a gun to rob at least five Hispanic stores and restaurants in Dalton, Ga., is being sought by city police.
The robber is believed to have stolen more than $7,500 in cash, police spokesman Bruce Frazier said.
"We don't know why he's targeting certain businesses," Frazier said. "He may just be familiar with them."
The first robbery was reported Nov. 12, and police said the robber uses the same method each time. Sometime between 7 and 10 p.m., after most customers are gone, he walks in and threatens the cashier with a chrome or stainless-steel semiautomatic handgun.
Witnesses say the robber is Hispanic and about 5 feet 5 with a slim build. He wears a hooded sweatshirt and a white mask or bandanna over his face, Frazier said.
Monica Loa, co-owner of Carnicería Loa, said her family's store on Fernwood Avenue was robbed Nov. 27.
A surveillance video shows a male Hispanic step out of a small, white, two-door car with a rear spoiler and walk into the store. He points a gun at a cashier and leaves with some money.
The family owns another Carnicería Loa on East Walnut Avenue, and Loa said customers come into that store and ask if it has been robbed yet.
She said people in the community are worried, and she criticized the police.
"I don't know that they are doing their jobs," Loa said.
Frazier said the police department is just as concerned as residents.
"We are actively working this case," he said. "We have been doing heightened patrols."
He said police are asking anyone with information to contact Detective Sam Eaton at 706-278-9085, ext. 158, or Detective John Helton at 706-278-9085, ext. 143.
Contact staff writer Joy Lukachick at jlukachick@timesfreepress.com or 423-757-6659.