RENO -- A Reno man has been arrested and charged with several robberis of convenient stores in the Reno and Sparks area.

On February 25, 2012, the Reno Police Department began an investigation into a robbery that occurred at the AM/PM at 1390 S. Virginia St.  During the days that followed, several more robberies occurred at the International Market, the same AM/PM and a Chevron.  These robberies soon appeared to be part of a series committed by the same suspect, who remained unidentified until last night.

Last night, Sparks Police Officers arrested the defendant after he committed a robbery in their jurisdiction.  The defendant matched the description of the suspect we were looking for and the actions in the Sparks case were similar to the actions of the suspect in the Reno cases. 

Earlier today, Reno Police Detectives met with the defendant at the Washoe County Jail.  Upon the conclusion of the meeting, detectives were able to link the defendant to five robberies that occurred in the City of Reno.  All five of the robberies occurred at conveniences stores.  In four of them, the store was the sole monetary victim; however, in the second robbery at the International Market a separate private citizen was also robbed.  Detectives are continuing the investigation to determine if the suspect might be responsible for more crimes, including the first robbery they believe to be linked to the series that occurred on February 25, 2012, also at the AM/PM at 1390 S. Virginia St.

Anyone having information relating to this crime or the suspect(s) should contact the Reno Police Department at 334-2115, Secret Witness at 322-4900, www.secretwitness.com, or text the tip to 847411 (TIP 411) keyword - SW