The theft of money from a north Salina motel early Wednesday morning could be related to two recent motel robberies.

Police Captain Mike Sweeney said a suspect matching a description in robberies on December 5th and December 12th was caught taking money from a cash register at the Howard Johnson Motel, 222 E. Diamond Drive, around 1:30 a.m. Wednesday morning.

The suspect is described as a hispanic male, about 30 years of age, six feet tall, and weighing between 280 – 300 pounds. He was wearing a black hooded coat with “ATLANTA” across the back. The clerk was in the managers office when he heard noise in the lobby. When the clerk approached, the suspect ran from the lobby. The suspect was able to take an undetermined amount of cash.

Sweeney said police believe the same man is responsible for the robbery of the same Howard Johnson Motel on December 5th, and Days Inn, 407 W. Diamond Drive, on December 12th, where the clerk was threatened with pepper spray.

Anyone with information that could lead to the arrest of the suspect is asked to call Crime Stoppers at 785-825-TIPS. Tipsters are not required to give their name and may receive a cash reward of up to $1,000.