Serial robbery suspects sought

From WPIX:

The New York City Police Department is asking for the public's help in tracking down suspects wanted in connection to eight robberies in Queens.

According to detectives, the first known robbery occurred on Wednesday, December 22, 2010 at 2:00 a.m. The suspects hit up a gas station at 111-26 Van Wyck Expressway. One suspect, who was armed with a gun, pulled up to the gas station in a silver Mercedes Benz. He stole money from a 57-year-old customer at the station but did not injure him, police said.

A few minutes later, the suspects robbed a La Quinta Hotel also at 111-26 Van Wyck. One suspect entered the hotel and asked for a room. He then left the hotel and returned with three other suspects, police said. One of the men was armed with a gun. They stole an undetermined amount of money and fled in a silver vehicle.

The suspects struck again a few weeks later on the evening of Jan. 4. Police say at around 11:30 p.m., they robbed a Lucky Food Mart on Union Turnpike. The three suspects - one of them armed - entered the business, stole money and fled.

Since then, the suspects have struck at least 5 more times. In addition to the above locations, they have robbed bodegas, other hotels and a Dunkin' Donuts. No one was ever injured in any of the incidents so far.

Authorities are searching for 3 to 5 men who are between 5 feet, 7 inches and 6 feet tall. The suspects usually wear black ski masks and black clothing.

Anyone with information about the incidents is urged to call Crime Stoppers Hotline at 1-800-577-TIPS. All calls will remain confidential.