Man wearing 'Scream' mask targeting dollar stores

CLAYTON COUNTY, Ga. — Police say a robber with a mask from a popular movie is targeting certain stores because they're easy to get in and out of.
 
Clayton County police are also concerned because they say the gunman, who wears a "Scream" mask, is getting more violent.
 
"He's becoming a little bit more aggressive each time," Capt. Richard Gandee said.
 
Surveillance video from the Family Dollar store on Tara Boulevard shows the gunman terrorizing customers.
 
One customer was so afraid his hugged his child to keep the boy from getting hurt. Police say the masked gunman has become a menace.
 
"You think he's dangerous?" Channel 2's Tom Jones asked.
 
"He is dangerous," Gandee replied.
 
Police say the gunman has robbed or attempted to rob 12 businesses in the area, mostly Family Dollar or Dollar General stores.
 
They think that's because they're easy to get in and out of.
 
"Here he comes. Takes it right out of her hands," Jonesboro Police Sgt. Brad Pair says, as he shows surveillance video from a robbery at a Dollar General.

In the video,  the masked robber can be seen snatching money out of an off duty deputy's hand.
 
He then robbed the store, even taking cash from the backup register.
 
One customer couldn't believe the gunman took money out of a deputy's hand.
 
"Wow. That is bold. Well maybe they might think about hiring an armed security guard," Jacqueline Pickett said.
 
Exotic Pleasures Two hired a security guard after it was robbed by a masked gunman.
 
The masked robber came in again and ended up firing at the guard. That was caught on surveillance video.
 
Police are warning shoppers because of the escalating violence.
 
"Just be on the look-out cause this particular one has actually approached patrons on the outside," Gandee said.

Shoppers believe the masked robber lives close by.
 
"Convenient for him. He gotta stay somewhere around here," a shopper said.
 
Police say the gunman wears a blue hooded sweatshirt with Brown Track on it, or a red hooded shirt with Bama on it but he wears it inside out.
 
Contact police if you have any information.

WSBTV