Niagara County Sheriff's deputies are looking into whether an overnight robbery in North Tonawanda is related to a string of robberies in Middleport, Newfane, Lockport and Wheatfield.

According to the sheriff's office, a man robbed the 7-Eleven at 1060 Niagara Falls Boulevard at the corner of Ruie Road at about 2:45 this morning.

Similar to other local robberies, the man showed a handgun before demanding cash and running from the scene.

If it is related, it would make it the ninth related robbery in a series dating back to Christmas Eve when the 7-Eleven in Middleport was robbed.

Of the nine incidents, three were 7-Elevens, four were gas stations, one was a private home and the other was the the Comfort Inn on Transit Road in Lockport.

The most recent robbery was 10 days ago when the Jolly Roger Citgo Station in Wheatfield was robbed.

In most instances, there has an unarmed and silent accomplice, but reports from this morning's robbery have not mentioned an accomplice.

The public is asked to keep vigilant in and around local businesses. Anyone who sees suspicious behavior or has any information about the armed robberies should call the sheriff's office 24-hour hotline at 438-3393.

---

Don't miss any updates from East Niagara Post.
Add us on Facebook, Twitter, and Google+.