HAMILTON — Police are looking for a robber who has armed himself with progressively more frightening weapons.

        Sometimes the robber has fled with beer as well as money.

        “His violence level has escalated. He started out with a knife, then he used (chemical) Mace, and now he has obtained a chrome handgun,” said Officer Don Taylor, Hamilton police spokesman.

        On Monday authorities said a warrant had been issued for Antonio Holmes, 35, in connection with the June 12 knifepoint robbery of Maggard's Grocery, 1247 Central Ave. The robber, whose image was captured on videotape, fled with money from the cash register and a 12-pack of beer about 9:50 p.m., a police report says.

        Mr. Holmes is considered a suspect in seven other robberies and a burglary within two weeks, Officer Taylor said.

        They are:

        • June 17, Dairy Mart, 2166 Pleasant Ave.

        • June 24, Subway, 1021 High St. (two people were also robbed).

        • June 25, Pipeline Gas Sta tion, 1155 S. Erie Blvd.

        • June 26, Sycamore Market, 602 Sycamore St.

        Mr. Holmes was released from prison less than six months ago, according to records of the Ohio Department of Rehabilitation and Correction. He was paroled Jan. 16, after serving more than eight years for convictions on aggravated robbery, attempted burglary, attempted drug trafficking and robbery.

        He was sentenced to 15 to 50 years on those charges.

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