Police are continuing their investigation into any possible connections between three armed robberies that occurred in the city of Niles and Niles Township in the last six weeks.

In all three incidents, the most recent being the robbery of Kubiak’s Bar early Saturday morning, a suspect has been described as wearing a black ski mask, dark hooded sweatshirt and brandishing a hand gun.

“We are going to be looking at some video to try to enhance it or do what we can,” Det. Sgt. Randy Miller of the Berrien County Sheriff’s Department said Monday.

The sheriff’s department, which is investigating the robbery at Kubiak’s, is working with the Michigan State Police, who are investigating a similar armed robbery that occurred at Papa John’s on South 11th Street.

“It sounds like from what we got of their information it could be the same individual,” said Det. Sgt. Fabian Suarez of the Michigan State Police.

In addition to that incident, Miller said police are taking a closer look at the robbery of Payless Shoe Source on Dec. 16.

Though so far, Suarez said, nobody has been hurt in any of the incidents, he and Miller agree there is a concern over the possibility of more armed robberies occurring within the area.

“There’s always a growing concern,” Miller said. “And we are concerned that this could turn into a rash of armed robberies.”

Shortly after 2 a.m. Saturday, Miller said Ellen Kubiak, owner of the bar and an employee were exiting the establishment when they were approached by a male suspect, approximately 6 feet tall, wearing a black ski mask. The suspect, Miller said, forced the two women back into the bar.

“The lights were kept off,” Miller said. The suspect then had Kubiak lead him to the safe.

“Ellen opened the safe and the suspect made off with two metal cash boxes,” Miller said. “The suspect had (both women) lay face down while he exited.”

Miller said the suspect fled the scene in a dark colored vehicle described as a mini-van.

Police initially thought the suspect fled directly south. But the two cash boxes were found, empty, in an area of southern Niles Township that indicate he actually initially headed north.

“We are working with the Michigan State Police at this time looking at the similarities robberies,” Miller said.

At the time of the Papa John’s robbery, video surveillance equipment was not working. Both Miller and Suarez encourage business owners to make sure their equipment is functioning properly.

“We’re working, at least from our end of the department, (with) extra patrols,” Miller said. “And we’re asking if businesses have security systems, video, to make sure everything is working properly. Also, if they see anything suspicious or anyone suspicious that comes into their establishment, to please contact police. It never hurts to call and check it out or clear it.”