“The Opportunistic Bandit” NR12214bb

Robbery Suspect Wanted for Five Car Jackings and myriad of other crimes

Los Angeles:  Los Angeles Police Department, Robbery-Homicide Division detectives are asking for the public’s help in providing information that would lead to the identity and arrest of a robbery suspect who is responsible for at least twelve crimes within the City of  Los Angeles, three of which are Robbery / Carjackings.

On Sunday April 15, 2012, around 8:45 p.m., a lone female victim conducted a business transaction at a gas station in the 1700 block of Highland Avenue.  While inside the location the suspect walked up to her and attempted a casual conversation. The victim left the business and entered her car, the suspect approached and entered through the passenger door. He hit the victim a number of times and forced her out of her car. The suspect drove away with the victim’s car and purse.

During a separate incident the suspect targeted and physically assaulted a 76-year-old woman carjacking her and taking her purse. The suspect also enters occupied and unoccupied cars in business parking lots and steals purses.  Additionally, he forcibly grabs purses or  money bags from unsuspecting victims.

The other crimes committed by the suspect include street robberies, burglary / theft from motor vehicles, and vandalism. The same suspect is believed to be responsible for seven additional crimes in the cities of Glendale, Pasadena, Santa Monica and Beverly Hills.

The Los Angeles crimes identified are as follows:

Thursday      4-26-12    1045 hrs    Street Robbery         16600 Ventura Blvd.
Thursday      4-26-12    1015 hrs    Car Jacking             5200 Lankershim Blvd.
Wednesday  4-25-12    1020 hrs    Burglary             5100 Laurel Canyon Blvd.
Wednesday  4-25-12    0955 hrs    Vandalism             12200 Ventura Blvd.
Monday       4-23-12    0925 hrs    Burglary from motor vehicle    3000 Westwood Blvd.
Monday       4-23-12    0915 hrs    Street Robbery        2900 Sepulveda Blvd.
Monday       4-23-12    0730 hrs    Theft                5200 Century Blvd.
Monday       4-23-12    0445 hrs    Vandalism            3200 Cahuenga Blvd.
Friday          4-20-12    2050 hrs    Theft from motor vehicle    2400 Lincoln Blvd
Friday          4-20-12    1330 hrs    Car Jacking            7800 Sunset Blvd.
Sunday        4-15-12    2050 hrs    Car Jacking            1700 Highland Ave.
Saturday      4-14-12    2330 hrs    Street Robbery        14000 Ventura Blvd.

The suspect is described as a male Black with black hair, brown eyes.  He stands 5 feet 9 inches to 6 feet 4 inches tall, weighs 180-250 lbs, is 25-35 years with a bald head.

Anyone with information about these crimes or has knowledge on the suspect identity is urged to call Robbery-Homicide Division, Robbery Special Section Detectives Steve Koman or Tom Thornton (213) 486-6840 during regular business hours. During non-business hours or on weekends, calls should be directed to 1-877-LAPD-24-7 (1-877-527-3247).

Anyone wishing to remain anonymous should call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (800) 222-8477. Tipsters may also contact Crime stoppers by texting to phone number 274637 (C-R-I-M-E-S on most keypads) with a cell phone.  All text messages should begin with the letters “LAPD”.  Tipsters may also go to www .lapdonline.org, and click on “Anonymous Web Tips”.