Suspected hammer-wielding serial robber arrested

Surveillance video shows a hammer-wielding man whom authorities say robbed at least four different North Texas businesses.

Police say 36-year-old Jason McDowell robbed a Rowlett Subway on Tuesday afternoon, and he robbed at least three other stores in surrounding cities.

DeSoto police arrested McDowell Thursday morning with a Rowlett arrest warrant because the 17-year-old employee Rowlett Subway employee was able to identify him from a lineup.

That employee, Teresa Perez, says McDowell climbed over the counter during the robbery and grabbed her while he had a hammer in one hand.

Police say on Sept. 13, McDowell stole money out of the register from a DeSoto Dollar General.

They say on Sept. 20, he tried the same thing at a Tiger Mart on I-35E. After someone there fought back, McDowell began carrying a hammer.

Police say he used that hammer to rob a store in Glenn Heights as well.

DeSoto police are asking for help in identifying another man who has the same M.O. –- they say he uses a similar car as McDowell and even hit the exact same Dollar General just a week after McDowell.

Police say he may also be responsible for other crimes in the surrounding areas, but they say he’s not using a weapon for now.