CLAYTON, N.C. — Authorities are searching for a suspect who they said has been ripping off convenience stores in Wake and Johnston counties while posing as an undercover agent for the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA).

Authorities said 41-year-old Jeffrey Brueggeman is behind the scam to rip off convenience stores. They believe he's been running the scam all over Wake County and in parts of Johnston County.

In the scam, authorities said, Brueggeman lifts the batteries from the store, approaches the clerk, pretends to be an undercover DEA agent and tries to get cash for the batteries.

Recently, Brueggeman twice conned a Kangaroo convenience store on Highway 70 out off a total of $70, investigators said.

Brueggeman is accused of hitting the Kangaroo convenience store on Highway 70 and two other stores in Clayton. He's also wanted in at least six other similar cases in Wake County.

"He strikes at a time when the clerks are stocking the shelves and may not be paying attention to these things," Lt. Jon Gerrell of the Clayton Police Department said.

Authorities said Brueggeman is driving a small yellow truck, which may be a Chevy, with the license plate number

TTS-4444

.

They said he used to live in Wendell and now lives in Raleigh.

If you have seen Brueggeman or the yellow truck, please call you local law enforcement agency.