A thief steals hundreds of lottery tickets from a Pike County store and police say he is cashing the winning ones at other stores. Police are hoping to stop him before he gets any more money.

Investigators say the man is showing up in gas stations and cashing in winning lottery tickets, and walking out with hundreds of dollars each time. The problem is, police say the money isn't his. Investigators say he broke into a Double Kwik in Coal Run and stole their lotto box, getting hundreds, if not thousands of tickets. Police say they've tracked him cashing winners at 15 stores in Pike, Floyd, Knott, and Perry Counties and there could be others.

"He may be in any of the stores trying to cash these tickets," said Scott Hopkins with the Kentucky State Police.

Police want to find him before he gets any more money. Investigators say he's a black man, about 6' 3", and around 240 pounds. He has tattoos on his arm and neck, and drives a dark blue Pontiac Grand-Am.

Police say even though this is not a violent crime, he is still considered a threat.

"Anytime we look for a suspect, we always infer that there's a chance for violence or any other issues that may come about," Hopkins said.

Police say lottery officials flagged the stolen ticket numbers, but worry he may steal more.

If you know this man or think you've seen him, you can call Kentucky State Police at the Pikeville Post at 606-433-7711.