Suspect Wanted in Follow-home Robberies

August 31, 2006

Los Angeles: Los Angeles and Orange County detectives are looking for a second suspect responsible for a spate of follow-home robberies, which originated from Southland casinos.

The first robbery occurred June 23, 2006, when two Black men followed home a patron from Gardena’s Normandie Casino. The men robbed the patron at gunpoint as he arrived at his home in Orange County.

Orange County Sheriff’s detectives arrested John Henry Bolton on July 21, 2006, after he was identified from surveillance footage at the casino. Bolton’s 1997 Pontiac Grand Prix was caught on tape and led detectives to his home where they found Bolton, along with the black hooded sweat shirts used in the robberies, and a victim’s cell phone taken in one holdup.

Meanwhile, Los Angeles police detectives joined the case in June after an Encino resident was followed home June 30th and robbed around 2:50 AM. A Venice-area resident was followed home and robbed on July 7th, and a third victim was robbed in Tarzana on July 12th.

Bolton’s accomplice is over 6 feet tall and weighs over 200 pounds. His head is shaved and he sports a mustache and goatee. The suspects’ blue steel semi automatic handgun is still at large.

Anyone leaving banks or casinos should be watching for any suspicious activity," said LAPD spokesman Lieutenant Paul Vernon. "If you think you are being followed, don’t go home, but drive to a nearby police or fire station. Persons traveling alone are more at risk as suspects may see them as an easier target."

Anyone with information is asked to call West Valley Detectives at 818-374-7740. On weekends and during off-hours, call the 24-hour toll free number at the at 1-877-LAWFULL (529-3855).