Police in search of slot thief

Thursday, Sept. 14, 2000 | 4:07 a.m.

The suspect shaved his goatee, investigators said. But he's got the same mustache and used the same mannerisms in all three hold-ups.

The latest target was Smith's Food and Drug store in northeast Sparks about 1 a.m. Wednesday, police said. He displayed a gun and demanded money from the slot machine cashier at the front entrance.

About three hours later, police believe the same man tried to hold up a cashier at Albertson's on Oddie Boulevard. But the cashier screamed and the would-be robber ran away.

Similar hold-ups occurred early Monday and Tuesday at a Smith's on Moana Lane and an Albertson's on Plumb Lane.

Police said they are working off of surveillance photos.

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