LINCOLN, Neb. -- The Lincoln Police Department is investigating three armed robberies that officers believe are connected.

The first one happened just before midnight on Monday at a Kwik Shop at 44th and Cornhusker. 

LPD said that the suspect walked inside the store armed with a handgun, took money, and fled. 

Minutes later, another robbery four block away, was reported. There, a suspect walked in with a gun and fired a shot. The suspect then assaulted the clerk. 

The third one was reported an hour later, police say the suspect then assaulted a customer, stole their money. 

Police said the suspect in all three reports had the same description.

This investigation is ongoing.