A man was robbed and pistol-whipped in a Hoover apartment complex Monday night, and investigators believe the holdup could be the latest in a string of attacks on Hispanic victims.

About 6:30 p.m. Monday, Hoover officers were dispatched to a report of a resident being robbed at Lorna Place Apartments. The victim was in the 900 building when a black male with a handgun approached him and demanded money, said Capt. Gregg Rector. When the victim refused, the assailant hit him in the head with the gun and fled on foot in the direction of the Walmart Neighborhood Market.

The victim was treated on the scene by Hoover Fire paramedics.

A similar robbery happened about 7 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 6, in the laundry room at The Place at Galleria Apartments. The suspect pointed a handgun at the victim and stole a cell phone and $5. That holdup was captured by a surveillance camera.

Rector said the two robbers appear to be similar to four others that happened in Hoover in November. All of those crimes took place inside The Place at Galleria Apartments. In each case, the suspect is described as a black male in his 20s, carrying either an all-black or black and silver semi-automatic pistol. He always flees on foot, and no getaway vehicle has been seen.

In November, detectives received information that the suspect could have ties to the Gate City community in Birmingham. There was an accomplice in at least two of the cases.

Hispanic victims appear to be the targets in each of these robberies, Rector said. Detectives and patrol officers spent a significant amount of time trying identify and track down the suspect in November, and they he seemingly disappeared for a time after Nov. 22.

"We're not sure if he had moved on to another area or if he's possibly been in jail in another jurisdiction,'' Rector said. "But we believe we're dealing with the same suspect and clearly he's back and he's committing robberies on Lorna Road."

"We're also concerned because he appears to be targeting Hispanic victims,'' he said. "He probably sees them as an easier target who might be less likely to notify police. He's also shown to be violent when his victims resist."

In each robbery, the suspect runs toward Lorna Place Apartments or the Walmart Neighborhood Market. He could be parking in that area, he could live close by or he could be visiting friends in the area.

"He needs to be caught and hopefully the surveillance video will help,'' Rector said.

Residents are encouraged to be aware of their surroundings and to call 911 to report any suspicious activity.

Anyone with information about this case should call Detective Todd Henningsen at 205-444-7534 or the Hoover Police Department at 205-822-5300. Detective Henningsen is also fluent in Spanish.

Tipsters who want to remain anonymous and qualify for a cash reward can call Crime Stoppers at 205-254-7777. Crime Stoppers offers cash rewards up to $5,000 for information that leads to an arrest.