OVERLAND PARK, KS (KCTV) -
Overland Park police are searching for a suspect after waitresses at two separate Sonic Drive-In restaurants were robbed at gunpoint just a day apart.
The back-to-back robberies have police concerned and doing all they can to stop robbery number three from happening.
"It's very disturbing for someone to go to a restaurant and point a handgun at a young female," Overland Park Officer Gary Mason said.
While disturbing, it's exactly what police said a suspect has done not once, but twice, after two Sonic car hops were held up at gunpoint.
The first robbery happened Sunday about 7:15 p.m. The suspect pulled into a stall at the Sonic on West 107th Street and Roe Avenue, ordered food and, when they car hop came out, the suspect acted.
"He does it through the window - displays the handgun and tells her to give him the money," Mason said.
The suspect takes the car hop's apron too and then takes off.
Less than 24 hours later, police believe the same suspect targeted the Sonic at West 80th Street and Metcalf Avenue. The robber followed the same routine and got the same results. The suspect got the cash and left quickly.
The question now being addressed is why Sonic Drive-Ins are being targeted.
Police said the suspect isn't shying away from times when plenty of other customers could be around.
"Maybe because it's isolated from the main building where they do come out and are around as many people. It's an easier opportunity to get money and get out real quick before anyone can see them," Mason said.
So far the philosophy has worked. Other than the shaken-up victims, no one has gotten a good look at the gunman. For now, police said their focus will be on prevention as they work the case to try and catch the suspect.
"We are out checking all Sonics - not just those restaurants, but other ones they may hit. It's concerning for us and we want to catch them," Mason said.
Meanwhile, Shawnee police continue to search for the gunman who robbed a teen at the Sonic at West 63rd Street and Pflumm Road last Tuesday. While the robbery was the same situation, police do not think last week's incident is connected to those in Overland Park.
The suspect can be seen pretty clearly in the surveillance video so if anyone recognizes him, they are asked to call the TIPS Hotline at 816-474-TIPS.
Click here for coverage on the Shawnee Sonic robbery.
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