They didn't find a gun but Springfield police still think they caught the man known as the bearded bandit. A special task force says it arrested the man in this video. He's been holding up convenience stores in town.

They arrested 40 year-old Kristy L. Ash last night at the Budget Inn on Glenstone after a three hour standoff but so far ash is not charged with the hold-ups. Instead he's being held for an outstanding warrant for not paying child support.

A tipster thought ash looked a lot like the man seen all over TV. Police compared the man seen on tape to Ash's driver's license. Officer’s thought they had a match and decided to stake out his room. So they moved in on the man they say victims have been waiting to see caught.

After only two weeks on the job Elysa Skelton was ready to close when an unfamiliar customer demanded a familiar request, cash. Skelton says, "I thought he was joking he didn't sound serious at all I actually laughed at him." Police say the man was more than serious, he's Springfield's serial robber that hit up nine businesses in ten days. Skelton says, "Not initially but after the fact I knew who it was." Police Officer Grant Story says, "As the suspect was busy robbing the store on West Kearney we had 2 detectives waiting at the Budget Inn."

A tipster led them to the motel. Police say Ash arrived just 15 minutes after the final robbery. Police saw him go in but he wouldn't come out. After three hours of negotiations, police smashed the window and went in after him. Police searched the room but they never found a gun."

Police think Ash is without a doubt the so called bearded bandit who changed his look after his every move made the news, including a closer shave. Story says, "Even though we believe he's responsible we have to cross our T's and dot our I's."

The latest victim hopes police got the right guy. Skelton says, "It's the scariest thing I've ever been through and I'm a thrill seeker. No one should have to go through that it's scary.

Police are finishing up their reports. They hope prosecutors will charge Ash with at least one of the robberies within the next 24 hours. If that doesn't happen, Ash will be released until charges are filed.

Ash was convicted of 2nd degree robbery in Greene County in 1989. He was also convicted of a drug charge in Greene County in 1983.