Rifleman Bandit Arrested

Los Angeles: A 21-year-old Los Angeles man was arrested for a string of robberies in the Southwest Area of Los Angeles.

In late September 2007, a lone male armed with a shotgun, driving an older model brown Toyota began a series of robberies of fast food restaurants and other businesses.

On October 3, 2007, Robbery-Homicide Division, Robbery Special Section, assumed the investigative responsibilities for this series. This suspect was dubbed the "Rifleman Bandit." Robbery-Homicide Division detectives coordinated this investigation with personnel from Wilshire, Southwest, and Rampart Areas along with U.S.C. Safety Police.

The Wilshire Area Rapid Enforcement Detail profiled the suspect’s methods of operation patterns and deployed resources in the area.

On October 6, 2007, at around 6:30 a.m., the "Rifleman Bandit" was involved in a robbery of a gas station located in the 1200 block of Washington Boulevard. The Wilshire Area Rapid Enforcement Detail canvassed the surrounding area in search of the suspect. He was seen near Normandie Avenue and 43rd Street and was taken into custody. He was identified as Dakota Sheffield, 21 years of age, resident of Los Angeles.

The shotgun used in the robberies was recovered and taken into custody.

Sheffield is currently on California Youth Authority (CYA) parole for robbery.

Robbery Homicide Division is handling the investigation and may be reached at 213-485-2511. On weekends and during off-hours, call the 24-hour toll free number at 1-877-LAWFULL (529-3855).