HPD: 'Cookie monster' behind dozens of fast food robberies

HOUSTON (KTRK) -- Houston police are asking for the public's help to find a suspect they say is behind dozens of fast food robberies across our area.

Police say 33 restaurants in Houston, Harris County and Ft. Bend County have were targeted by a man they're informally calling the 'Cookie monster.' He got that name because in at least a couple of incidents, police say he asked for a cookie before demanding cash.

During the robberies, which occurred between September 18 and November 9, the suspect enters the restaurant and either first asks to make a purchase or demands money from the register. They say he conceals his hand with a hat or a bag, threatening that he's armed.

Though no one's been hurt in the string of robberies, police said Thursday the suspect has been increasingly more belligerent and fear he could become violent.

In at least one incident, the suspect fled in a black Honda Civic.

The suspect is described only as a black male with a heavy build, about 6 feet 2 inches tall, weighing about 250 to 275 pounds. He has a beard, mustache and was wearing a beanie or ball cap and sunglasses.

Anyone with information in these cases is urged to contact Houston police at 713-308-0900 or Crime Stoppers at 713-222-TIPS.