Eugene police search for 'Wayne's World Robber'

EUGENE, Ore. - A string of robberies have hit small businesses in the Eugene area and authorities think the thefts could all be related.

Eugene Police have nicknamed the suspect the "Wayne's World Robber" because of the man's physical appearance. >>> Photos of the suspect

In the Wayne's World movies and sketches, comedian Mike Myers plays Wayne Campbell, the fictional host of an Aurora, Ill., public access TV show. Myers wears a long, stringy black wig to play Campbell. The suspect in the string of armed robberies appears to be wearing a black wig, too.

The most recent armed robbery happened at the Holy Cow Restaurant on Willamette Street around 3 p.m. on Sunday.

Surveillance video from the business shows a white male with long, black hair parking his bicycle and entering the restaurant.

"He was wearing a big, black ugly wig, that was the first thing the cashier noticed was not right," said Katherine Lavine, co-owner of the restaurant.

The man showed the cashier a gun and demanded money from the register and a tip jar on the counter.

"It's just despicable, it's not behavior that makes any sense," Lavine said.

After the man collected the money, he exited the restaurant and sped away on his bike.

According to Eugene Police, this reoccurring "getaway" matches other recent robberies in the area. Similar armed robberies have occurred at Richard's Deli, Mini Pet Mart, the Rite Aid and Sally's Beauty Supply. The similar physical appearance with a long, black wig also gives authorities a clue in their investigation.

"Because of his physical appearance, he's been dubbed the 'Wayne's World Robber,'" said Melinda McLaughlin, the public information officer for Eugene Police.

Authorities said the culprit is targeting smaller establishments and getting away with cash and some merchandise at each of the locations. Eugene Police are asking everyone to be on the look out while the suspect is still on the loose."

"The very best thing is to try not to be a hero but to be a good witness," McLaughlin said. "Stay calm and give the person the money because your life is not worth what the person is wanting to get."

If you have information on the armed robberies, you're asked to contact Eugene Police at (541) 682-5111.