KALAMAZOO (WKZO) -- Portage police are reporting a brazen mugging that took place in the 4700 block of Fox Valley Drive. Two men just pulling into a carport were approached by a black male who jumped in the back seat and claimed to have a gun pointed at the head of the driver. He duct taped the driver’s eyes, and robbed them of their wallets, cell phones and stereo equipment.

It happened at about 4:42PM yesterday. The robber was described as a light skinned black male, about 6-foot who fled on foot toward the east. A K-9 lost the scent. It’s being investigated to determine if it may be the latest in a string of hold ups. Investigators say some of the methods are similar. Anyone who might have seen something suspicious in the area is asked to call Portage police.

They are investigating to determine if that crime is connected to the four suspects wanted for a string of armed robberies overnight Saturday and Sunday morning, who remain at large.

Deputy Chief Brian Uridge says they are developing information on the four black males who are believed to be responsible for a stick up a 7-11, mugging a customer in the Wal-Mart Parking Lot, robbing and beating another victim at Carrington Court, and unsuccessfully trying to rob a man at the Speedway on Drake.

He says they need the public’s eyes and ears to help them catch them because this group sometimes waits for victims to come along. He suspects they may be responsible for other robberies on the west side in the past few weeks as well.