WFAA-TV

Jeremy Don Irvin

Dallas police were searching Thursday for a suspect accused of robbing convenience stores and service stations with cups of hot coffee.

Authorities said at least seven similar robberies have occurred in Dallas, Addison and Mesquite since May 23, but police could not confirm whether the incidents in all three cities had the same suspect.

Dallas police said they were aware of five incidents in which a man walked into a business and threw coffee on a store employee before fleeing with money. The employees in all incidents were burned or scalded, said Dallas police Senior Cpl. Jamie Matthews.

Dallas police named the suspect as 29-year-old Jeremy Irvin. He was described as being 6 feet, 1 inch tall and about 190 pounds.  He drives a white 1996 Toyota with Texas license plate 196-NYT, police said.

Police said the five Dallas incidents occurred between May 23 and 30. Cpl. Matthews said investigators were working with authorities in Addison and Mesquite.

Mesquite police said their incident took place Saturday at a gas station in the 1700 block of Oates Drive. The employee received minor burns.

A similar robbery occurred Tuesday in the 5000 block of Belt Line Road in Addison.