Authorities searching for suspect in string of robberies

Authorities in three counties are searching for a man they say is involved in multiple stick-ups in Carteret, Craven and Onslow counties.

Bill Welton Sr., 45, is accused of several armed robberies in the three-county area, according to law enforcement officials.

He is driving a black 2001 Volkswagen Jetta with tinted windows. The car has a North Carolina license plate of WWE-2032.

The most recent robbery occurred in Newport. Welton allegedly entered Zena's Convenient Store on N.C. 24 in Newport on Thursday at 9:30 a.m. and demanded money from the clerk. A weapon was not visible at the time of the robbery and the suspect made off with approximately $100 dollars and a pack of cigarettes, said Carteret County Sheriff's Capt. Jason Wank.

"The cases are currently under investigation and little details are being released at this time to preserve the integrity of the ongoing cases," Wank said in a press release.

Onslow County Sheriff Ed Brown said Welton should be considered armed and anyone who spots him should contact authorities in their county.

Crime Stoppers of Onslow County is offering a reward of up to $2,500 for information leading to Welton's arrest.

Anyone with information concerning this incident can contact the Onslow Crime Stoppers at 910-938-3273 or the Carteret Count Sheriff's Department at 252-504-4800, the Craven County Sheriff's Department at 252-636-6620 or the Onslow County Sheriff's Department at 910-455-3113.

Callers do not have to reveal their identities.

Contact crime reporter Lindell Kay at 910-219-8456. Read Lindell's blog at http://onslowcrime.encblogs.com.