The Smoking Bandit, Caught on Video – UPDATE

 
Los Angeles: On Wednesday, April 9, 2003, at 2:50 a.m., Los Angeles Police Department, Hollywood Area officers responded to a radio call of a robbery that just occurred at the 7-11 convenience store in the 6660 block of Sunset Boulevard in Hollywood. Preliminary investigation revealed that a male, Black, bald or shaved head, dark eyes, 5’10" 6’00", 150lbs 180lbs, 35 to 40 years-old, entered the location and forced his way behind the counter by acting as if he was reaching for a weapon. The suspect removed several cartons Marlboro Cigarettes from the shelves then again forced his way past the store clerk and out of the store.
On Monday, April 14, 2003 at approximately 3:55 hours, Los Angeles Police Department Hollywood officers responded to a radio call of a robbery that just occurred at the 7-11 convenience store located at 7600 Sunset Boulevard. Preliminary investigation revealed that a male, Black, bald or shaved head, dark eyes, 6’00" 200 pounds, 25 to 40 years old entered the location and posed as a a customer and pushed his way past the clerk. The suspect removed several cartons of Marlboro cigarettes from the shelves then again pushed his way past the store clerk and out of the store.
Detectives believe that the same suspect is responsible for both robberies.
These incidents were caught on surveillance video and copies of the tapes are available for the press at the Media Relations office.
Along with these tapes will be Crime Alert Notification flyers and a still photo of the suspect from the first 7-11 robbery.
Anyone with information regarding this incident is urged to contact Hollywood Robbery Detectives at 213-485- 4336. On weekends and during off-hours, contact the 24 hour-toll free number at the Detective Information Desk at 1-877-LAWFULL, 1-877-529-3855.
This press release was prepared by Public Information Officer Grace Brady, Media Relations Section, 213-485-3586.
UPDATE:
On Wednesday, April 23, 2003, James Cornell Cunningham, 49 year-old resident of Los Angeles was arrested for 211 PC (Robbery).