SHORELINE, Wash. -- Police said tips from the public helped officers track down a suspect in a string of robberies at businesses in five cities over a period of 10 days.

The tips were generated by surveillance video that authorities released in hopes of catching the man.

Police said detectives believed the same man robbed at least eight businesses in northern King and southern Snohomish counties.

They said the spree began at the Kaddy Shack Golf Club in Lynnwood.

He also robbed a Romio's Pizza in Shoreline and a comic book store in Kenmore.

"He came in to the counter and lifted up his shirt and showed me the gun and basically said, 'I need all the money in your till. I'm really sorry. I'm not going to hurt you, darling. I've had a really bad week. I need all the money in your till,'" said the unidentified clerk at Corner Comics.

Police said the man was arrested at about 10:30 p.m. on Sunday.