Asian Wig Bandit $25,000 Reward Offered in Connection with Case NR13218df

Los Angeles:  The Los Angeles Police Department Robbery Homicide Division, Robbery Special Section detectives are asking for the public’s help in identifying a suspect who is responsible for a series of robberies where businesses have been targeted since December 2012.

The suspect walks into a business disguised as a female wearing a wig and sunglasses, and as he approaches the employees, he pulls out a handgun, orders them to the ground and demands money and jewelry. The suspect is believed to be responsible for 15 incidents since December 19, 2012, targeting remittance companies that specialize in money transfers to the Philippines.  The robberies have occurred in the cities of Los Angeles, Glendale, West Covina, Rancho Cucamonga, and Chula Vista.  The suspect has been described as being armed with a handgun, and on one occasion he tased an employee.  The suspect has also been seen in the San Jose area near the same type of businesses.  LAPD detectives have been working in coordination with the involved cities.

Mayor Eric Garcetti stated, "This bandit presents a serious threat to the public. The City is offering an award to help capture this criminal. I want this bandit identified, caught, and convicted before his crimes escalate."  The City of Los Angeles is offering a reward of $25,000 for information leading to the identity, arrest and prosecution of the person responsible for the series of robberies.

The suspect is described as a male Asian, 25-30 years old, who stands 5 feet 9 inches tall, weighs about 160 to 180 pounds and wears a blond or black shoulder-length wig.  He is driving a BMW SUV possible “X5”, beige or light-colored.

LOCATIONS TARGETED:

CHULA VISTA    200 BLK E. ORANGE AVE      6-08-13
CHULA VISTA    200 BLK E. ORANGE AVE      5-14-13
LOS ANGELES    3400 BLK WILSHIRE BLVD      5-06-13
LOS ANGELES     16000 BLK NORDHOFF AVE      5-06-13
LOS ANGELES    16000 BLK NORDHOFF AVE      5-06-13
R. CUCAMONGA 6700 BLK CARNELIAN AVE      4-09-13
R. CUCAMONGA 6700 BLK CARNELIAN AVE      4-07-13
LOS ANGELES    200 BLK S. VERMONT AVE      4-04-13
GLENDALE        1400 BLK. E. COLORADO      4-02-13
LOS ANGELES    200 BLK S. VERMONT AVE.      3-28-13
W. COVINA        1500 BLK E. AMAR RD          2-21-13
W. COVINA        1500 BLK E. AMAR RD           2-21-13
LOS ANGELES    8300 BLK VAN NUYS BLVD      2-05-13
LOS ANGELES    8300 BLK VAN NUYS BLVD      1-17-13
LOS ANGELES    600 BLK N. VERMONT AVE.      12-19-12

Anyone with information concerning this case is asked to contact Robbery Homicide Division Detectives Freddy Arroyo or Daniel Jaramillo at (213) 486-6840.  During non-business hours or on weekends, calls should be directed to 1-877-LAPD-24-7 (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 LAPDOnline.org, click on "webtips" and follow the prompts.