Deputies: ‘Batman’ armed robbery suspect arrested

Wham-O! This Batman could have used a better utility belt.

Juan Carlos Nieves Morales, 26, lost track of his cellphone after robbing a pizza restaurant Friday, providing a clue that led to the so-called Batman robber, officials said Monday.

Orange County deputies arrested Morales Monday morning in connection with a string of armed robberies from Jan. 22 to Friday. In two robberies, officials say, he dressed as the Dark Knight, which made national news.

Morales went into stores in the late evening or early morning with a black handgun and demand cash, cigarettes and sometimes property from the victims. No one was hurt in the robberies

He allegedly targeted 7-Eleven on Lake Underhill Road, Mona Food Mart on South Bumby Avenue, and 123 Dollar Store on North Semoran Boulevard. Deputies say he also robbed several businesses on East Colonial Drive including Mi Viejo San Juan, Sherwin-Williams, Dollar General and Family Dollar.

The Orange County Sheriff’s Office turned to the public last week for help identifying him.

On Friday, he robbed I Love NY Pizza on East Colonial Drive, which was the ninth robbery and led to his arrest, officials allege.

Sgt. Craig Hall said witnesses chased Morales after the robbery Friday and deputies followed his path, which led them to his phone.

He said authorities don’t know why he dressed as the Caped Crusader.

Deputies were able to identify Morales with witness descriptions. Morales is being held at Orange County Jail without bond. At a news conference Monday, Sheriff Jerry Demings said Morales was previously arrested for possession of heroin. Demings said Morales appears to be a heroin addict and may have been robbing stores to fuel a drug addiction.

“We still have a significant issue in this community with heroin addicts,” Demings said.