'X' marks the spot for string of robberies

LARGO -- Investigators are searching for a man suspected in four holdups of adult entertainment stores in the Largo-Pinellas Park area over the past 11 weeks.

Pinellas sheriff's detectives say the man has robbed the Thee-X-Factor, 12880 U.S. 19 N, three times since October. He also is suspected in the Monday night holdup of Planet Xxxtasy, 11203 49th St. N.

The man has wielded a knife in the last three holdups, but no one has been injured. He has threatened victims with the knife and also demands the businesses' surveillance tapes, said sheriff's Detective Lt. Steve Shipman.

"He raised the knife in the air and said give me all the (expletive) money," Shipman said of the Monday robbery. "And they gave him the money. And he kept the knife raised and demanded the videotape."

Shipman said the robber's method is generally the same. He enters the business and peruses the merchandise, waiting for all other customers to leave. He then confronts the clerk and demands the cash.

His first robbery was Oct. 24 at Planet Xxxtasy, which he also held up Dec. 21 and New Year's Eve Day. He usually hits late at night. The New Year's robbery occurred just after 1:30 a.m., Shipman said.

In the last robbery, a witness at a nearby business saw a silver, four-door Nissan in the area, but Shipman said it's unknown if that car was driven by the robber.

"I really wouldn't say it's a suspect vehicle, but it's a possibility," he said.

The robber is a black man in his mid 30s who stands 5 feet 8 inches to 6 feet tall and has a thin build. He probably weighs about 140 to 160 pounds, Shipman said.

He might have a moustache and has gapped teeth. The knife he used in the last holdup was described as a "Rambo-type knife" with a compass in the handle, said Detective Sgt. Tony Vinson of the Sheriff's Office robbery unit.

Anyone with information about the robberies can call Vinson at 582-6140.

-- Chris Tisch can be reached at 445-4156 or tisch@sptimes.com .

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