Who is the Penny-Pincher Bandit? NR17355pv

Canoga Park: Los Angeles
detectives have released video of a man who committed an armed
robbery at a gas station, taking over $800 in cash and
cigarettes.

“We noticed the guy stole one thing, even before he pulled the
gun,” explained Det. Fernando Avila, robbery investigator at the
Topanga Police Station. “You can see him reach into the
take-a-penny-leave-a-penny tray when the clerk turns to retrieve
the packs of cigarettes the robber feigned to buy. When we catch
this guy, I’m going to let him know how unlucky those pennies
were!”

The robbery took place just before midnight, November 25, 2017,
when the male Hispanic walked into the store alone, wearing a black
Monster hoodie.He displays money and feigns buying cigarettes to
distract the clerk, then pulls the gun.

“The clerk’s reaction matched my first reaction to the video: I
really thought he was going to shoot the clerk,” Det. Avila said.
“This is top quality video, and anyone who knows this man is sure
to recognize him.” The weapon appears to be a black semi-auto
handgun, which the suspect kept in his waistband. The Penny Pincher
demands all the money in the cash register, and he is not satisfied
until the clerk gathers several wads of money. The robber does not
forget to take the cigarettes he ordered either.

The suspect is in his 40s and has a shaved head and a goatee. His
left ear is pierced as he was wearing an earring.

Anyone with information in this case is urged to call Det. Fernando
Avila, Topanga Detective Division, at (818) 756-3520. Anonymous
tips can be called into crimestoppers at (800) 222-TIPS (8477), or
by texting 274637 (C-R-I-M-E-S) with a cell phone. All text
messages should begin with the letters “LAPD.” Tipsters may also
visit www.lapdonline.org, and click on “Anonymous Web Tips” under
the “Get Involved-Crime Stoppers” menu to submit an online tip.
Lastly, tipsters may also download the “P3 Tips” mobile application
and select the L.A. Regional Crime Stoppers as their local
program.

Detective Avila is available for interviews at Topanga Police
Station until 4 PM. Video is available at the police station by
shooting off the screen.