Recent robberies may be connected

FORT WALTON BEACH, Fla. (WALA) - The Okaloosa County Sheriff's Office is investigating a series of robberies. They've taken place since September 29. Deputies say they may be connected, because they share a number of characteristics.

The most recent robbery happened Tuesday, October 9 in Fort Walton Beach. Deputies report a Sonny's Barbecue employee was walking to his car on Beal Parkway when he was approached. The employee told deputies the man came up from behind him, pointed a gun at him and demanded his wallet. The robber then ran across Patrick Drive. A second black man was seen meeting the robber and then they both ran away.

Two other cases include a home invasion robbery on Willow Grove Lane and a robbery of two women on Dell Road in Fort Walton Beach. Both of those happened the night of Saturday, September 29.

Then on Sunday, September 30, an employee at Cash's Liquor Store on Miracle Strip Parkway in Mary Esther says she was hit in the head and robbed of a bank bag. She was headed to her car at the time. A man also reported being robbed of his cash and cell phone in the City of Fort Walton Beach after he gave a ride to three men.

If anyone knows anything about the recent robberies, call the Okaloosa County Sheriff's Office at 850-651-7400 or Emerald Coast Stoppers at 850-863-TIPS.