Police on the lookout for serial robber striking businesses across the area

SUGAR LAND, Texas (KTRK) -- A man with a gun became a serial robber in the span of about three hours, according to Sugar Land police.

"I would say a spree or a binge. Four within three hours is a lot," said Lt. Matt Lavan, with the department's criminal investigation division.

It began before dawn on March 13, when the suspect walked into a Lifetime Fitness in Sugar Land.

The suspect was allowed in by a front desk employee, and then he went into the gym café, where police said he displayed a gun to a woman, and told her to open the cash register.

The woman couldn't and made her getaway out of a side door. The suspect left without any money.

A Lifetime Fitness representative sent a statement, which reads in part, "As our café and spa are open to serve members and non-members alike, the individual was allowed to enter the café."

As part of an ongoing investigation, the statement referred additional questions to police.

The next alleged stop for the suspect was less than a mile away on Highway 6, at a Walmart.

Seen in a surveillance video wearing the same zippered sweat shirt, purple t-shirt and black baseball cap, the suspect approached a female employee behind the customer service counter.

Police said the would-be robber displayed a gun in his waistband.

"When she used her phone to call 911, he left," said Lt. Lavan.

Police said the suspect arrived a few minutes later at a Kroger on Highway 6 at Voss with same approach and same outcome.

Once more, the suspect left without the cash he demanded, according to police.

While Sugar Land police were taking a report at Walmart, the store's manager told them another Wal Mart on the West Sam Houston Parkway had just been robbed.

"We believe he did get some money that time," said Lt. Lavan.

The suspect is described as a 6-foot, 200-pound white male with a military style haircut. The suspect was seen leaving in a light-colored Kia sedan.

Police believe the suspect was determined in his quest for cash, but it also raises a concern.

"He's displaying a weapon, the stores are open, people are coming in and going out, and they could be put in danger very easily," Lt. Lavan said.

Anyone with information can provide it to Crimestoppers in an anonymous tip and qualify for a reward if the information leads to an arrest.

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