Police looking for robbery suspect

EAST GREENWICH, R.I. (WPRI) - Police in East Greenwich, North Kingstown and Narragansett are looking for a man wanted in connection with several robberies.

According to investigators, Michael Brooks approached a 68-year-old woman Sunday while she loaded groceries into her car at Dave’s Marketplace in East Greenwich and threatened her with a screwdriver.

The said he took the victim’s purse, then fled the scene when the victim ran for help.

The woman suffered a minor injury that did not require medical treatment.

An eyewitness was able to provide a description of the suspect's vehicle.

Officers learned the North Kingstown police were investigating an attempted robbery at the Stop and Shop on Frenchtown Road that happened just prior to the East Greenwich incident.

The suspect and vehicle description in the North Kingstown incident were similar to the East Greenwich crime, police said.

Further investigation showed that Narragansett Police were also investigating a robbery at the Salt Pond shopping plaza earlier in the same day.

In that incident, police said a man assaulted and robbed an 88-year-old woman in the parking lot. The victim was uninjured.

The suspect and vehicle description matched both the East Greenwich and North Kingstown crimes.

Brooks, 48, has a lengthy criminal record from the State of New York and is reported to be a drug user, police said.

He is described as a white man, with brown graying hair, 5’8” tall with a thin build. His last know address is in Narragansett.

He was driving a maroon 1993 Plymouth station wagon with RI registration 980-112.

Narragansett, North Kingstown and East Greenwich Police are all investigating.

Based on the nature of the crimes, police said the suspect should be considered dangerous. Anyone with information should contact the police.

There are active warrants for the arrest of the suspect. Charges include robbery and assault with intent to commit a felony. Both charges are felonies.