COLLEGE PARK, Md. - Police are issuing a warning in three Maryland counties for a bandit who has been using a taser to rob a number of local businesses. Detectives say he's already struck in Silver Spring, College Park and Jessup.

Police believe a man wielding a taser has robbed at least five area businesses in the last few weeks in Montgomery and Prince George's County, including a couple of hotels, a nail salon and a gas station.

The robber first targeted Nancy's Nails at 1608 Elton Road in Silver Spring on Feb. 6 around 4:20 p.m. Police believe the suspect is also responsible for a second robbery at the Excel Gas Station at 13455 New Hampshire Avenue in Silver Spring.

Police are investigating if the suspect is responsible for similar robberies that occurred at the Comfort Inn located at 9020 Baltimore Avenue in College Park, the La Quinta Inn located at 7300 Crestmont Street in Jessup, and the Holiday Inn located at 10000 Baltimore Avenue in College Park.

After displaying a taser, police say, the suspect was able to get away on foot with an undisclosed amount of cash.

Police are looking for a black male in his 20s or 30s, who is 5'11" to 6'11" tall with a slim build. He was last seen wearing dark clothing.

Police say the robber targets various types of commercial businesses and often visits or lingers near the business before committing the robbery. They say they are not aware of anyone being shocked by the laser that sends momentarily debilitating shocks through its victims.

One gas station regular says just the threat of being tasered would encourage him to quickly hand over his cash. "It's known [not to be] deadly, but nobody wants to feel that. Nobody really craves for it," he said.

Anyone with information about the robberies or the suspect involved is asked to call the Major Crimes Division - Robbery Section at 240-773-5100. Callers may remain anonymous.

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