Deputies: Man responsible for more than 20 robberies

ORANGE COUNTY, Fla. — Deputies in Orange County said they're searching for a man who investigators believe is responsible for nearly two dozen business robberies since December.

The robber, who is armed and wears a mask, has targeted various businesses in an area surrounding Silver Star and Hiawassee roads, according to deputies. The man has also branched out and robbed a few businesses in other areas, investigators said.

"He goes in takes the store over and holds people at bay, sometimes up to 15  minutes long. (He) threatens to kill all of them if deputies show up," Sgt. Parks Duncan, with the Orange County Sheriffs Office, said.

Many business owners in the area said they're worried they will be the next victim.

"Clients are scared. We can't leave doors unlocked because there's a lot of stuff going on," business employee Mesha Williams said.

"He has hit CVS on Silver Star twice, Subway on Hiawassee twice," Duncan said.

The latest business to be robbed was in a shopping plaza off Clarcona Ocoee Road, deputies said.

"I think something should really be done about it," Williams said.

Investigators recently released a composite sketch of the robber and announced a $10,000 reward for an arrest. It's believed the man has had accomplices in the robberies and he likely lives in the area, deputies said.

"People will hopefully recognize him and identify that clothing and give us a tip on who he might be," Duncan said.

Anyone with information about the robber is asked to contact the Orange County Sheriff's Office.

WFTV