Multiple Santa Barbara Sheriff's units were called out when two businesses were held up within a half hour of each other on Thursday night.
Deputies say they were looking for a gunman in a dark hoodie and mask, who brandished a black handgun while demanding cash.
He first robbed Sandpiper Liquors in Summerland at approximately 9:20 p.m., and then roughly half an hour later, hit City Market in Carpinteria.
After he made his escape, a canine was brought out to help find his trail but couldn't track the suspect down.
Both businesses had surveillance cameras and the Sheriff's Department used footage to release pictures of the suspect, hoping for the public's help.