Lighter Fluid Robber Linked To Three Robberies

A man who allegedly sprays people with lighter fluid during robberies has been linked to three crimes around Colorado Springs.

The suspect was first linked to two robberies that occurred on May 19th and May 20th. On May 19th, the suspect entered the lobby of the Clarion Hotel in the 300 block of W. Bijou Street and demanded cash. He then doused the clerk with lighter fluid and ran away. Officer conducted a search with K9 units but could not find him. He was described as a black male in his 40s, about 6 feet tall, 170-180 pounds with a scruffy beard, bumps on his face, and neatly dressed.

The next day, a suspect robbed Coaltrain Wine & Liquor in the 300 block of W. Uintah St. In that instance, the robber left without getting any money. No one was injured but the suspect sprayed employees with an unknown liquid. Again, a search was conducted but the suspect was not found. The suspect was described similarly to the previous robbery, leading officers to believe it is the same person.

Colorado Springs Police said on Monday they now believe the suspect is related to a third case. On May 12th the Family Dollar at 22 N. Spruce St. was robbed by a black male that matches the description of the previous robberies.

The picture shown was captured from security cameras at Coaltrain Wine & Liquor.

If you have any information about the identity of this suspect or his whereabouts, please call CSPD at 719-444-7000. If you would like to remain anonymous, you can call Crime Stoppers at 719-634-STOP.