Federal Way police arrested a man on Dec. 24 suspected of seven armed robberies at convenience stores in Federal Way since late November.

The suspect, Valoaga Frankie Falaniko, a 21-year-old Federal Way resident, was charged with first-degree robbery on Dec. 29 and held on $100,000 bail for the robbery committed on Dec. 24. Federal Way police in conjunction with Des Moines police have filed an additional seven counts of robbery.

Police believe Falaniko is responsible for 20 robberies in King and Pierce Counties. The remaining jurisdictions are still concluding their investigations, according to a police spokesperson.

Police were alerted to an armed robbery in the 33300 block of Pacific Highway South at Stop In Grocery the day of Falaniko’s arrest. He allegedly used force, striking the victim with his handgun during the robbery, injuring his neck and head.

After Falaniko allegedly stole $200, the victim followed him out of the business on foot and observed him drive into the Pinewood Village Apartments. The victim notified police and identified the suspect’s vehicle and license plate.

Police searched a wooded area behind the business and found the suspect’s jacket, which he wore during the robbery. The suspect’s identification located in his jacket linked him to this incident. The suspect was contacted and arrested. Post-Miranda, he denied being involved in a robbery, according to court documents.

Police spoke with a couple who own the home where Falaniko rented a room in the basement. Both said that on Dec. 24 they heard Falaniko leave and return a short time later. The stated he came back and went directly into his room without greeting them, which was not normal.

The couple also told police that in prior weeks, Falaniko complained that he didn’t have any money or a job, the documents continue. After losing his job at Starbucks, he was still able to provide the couple with hundreds of dollars on several occasions, they said.

“This arrest was made possible through the bravery of a citizen who pursued the robbery suspect and the outstanding investigative work by Federal Way police detectives and officers,” said Jim Ferrell, mayor. “It illustrates the tremendous partnership in Federal Way between the Police Department and community members. We stand ready to support the King County Prosecutors Office as the suspect is brought before a judge and jury.”

Falaniko’s criminal history includes a DUI conviction in 2013.