by Joseph Pimentel and Mico Letargo | AJPress
LOS ANGELES – The City of Los Angeles has offered a $25,000 reward for information leading to the arrest and prosecution of a robbery suspect, who targets remittance companies that specialize in money transfers to the Philippines.
Los Angeles Police detectives in a statement said the suspect is believed to be an Asian male disguised as a female wearing a wig and sunglasses.
Detectives have dubbed the suspect the “Asian Wig Bandit.”
According to police, the suspect walks into a remittance business, approaches the employees before pulling out a handgun and orders them to the ground.
The suspect demands money and jewelry. In one incident, the suspect used a taser on an employee, police said.
“As far as the MO [modus operandi] is concerned, he enters the businesses by himself,” Arroyo told the w.
“He will either jump over the barrier and into the employee-secured area and commit the robbery.
“In some cases, with some of the businesses that do not have barriers, he’s able to just come across the counter and interact with the employee,” Arroyo added.
The suspect is believed to be responsible for 15 incidents since December 19, 2012, LAPD officials said in a statement.
Arroyo noted that because the suspect has stolen a combination of money and jewelry, the police is still not certain on how much damage was caused by the robber’s crime spree.
The robberies have occurred up and down California in cities with large Filipino populations. The robberies have occurred in Chula Vista, Rancho Cucamonga, West Covina, Glendale and Los Angeles, police said.
According to Detective Arroyo, the suspect was also seen up north in San Jose and Union City almost a month ago.
“No robberies were committed, but we know that he’s [been] up there,” Arroyo said.
Help needed in identifying suspect
“This bandit presents a serious threat to the public,” said Mayor Eric Garcetti in a statement. “The City is offering an award to help capture this criminal. I want this bandit identified, caught, and convicted before his crimes escalate.”
Police robbery detectives are asking for the public’s help in identifying the suspect.
The suspect is described as a male Asian, 25-30 years old, 5’ 9” in height, weighs about 160 to 180 pounds and wears a blond or black shoulder-length wig.
The important thing to remember in identifying the suspect, Arroyo said, is the kind of car he drives. The suspect has been seen driving a BMW SUV (possibly an X5) with its color ranging from grey, silver, beige or light-colored.
While Arroyo admitted that the police still hasn’t pinpointed the identity of the suspect, he said that there are “other things in play” with the ongoing investigation, but did not reveal further details.
Arroyo reminded the public to immediately dial 911 if they spot an individual matching the description of the suspect.
“Don’t intervene, don’t do anything that’s going to get you hurt. Call the police and let them know,” Arroyo said.
Tipster confidentiality
Arroyo said that any individual who comes forward with information on the suspect can claim the reward money, regardless of his or her immigration status.
Any information could lead to the arrest and conviction of the alleged robber.
As far as confidentiality with the tipster goes, Arroyo said that the police department will keep in touch with the informant during the entire process, but will try to keep them from making a court appearance as much as possible.
“Immigration status has nothing to do with our case. We don’t care if the [informant] is in this country as a US Citizen, as a US Resident, or if a person crossed into this country illegally yesterday.”
“Our concern and what we want is the information so that we can stop this guy and put him behind bars,” Arroyo said.
“I really believe somebody out there knows who [the suspect] is. Based on his appearances and the fact that he drives a BMW SUV, I think he’s pretty distinct.
Arroyo urged the public to contact the authorities if they have information so that police can “put this guy behind bars.”
[Anyone with information concerning this case is asked to contact Detectives Freddy Arroyo or Daniel Jaramillo at Robbery-Homicide Division, Robbery Special Section, (213) 486-6840, during regular business hours (Monday thru Friday, from 8am to 5pm). During non-business hours, weekends and holidays, contact the Detective Information Desk of RACR Division at the 24-hour, toll-free number at (877) 527-3247.To send cell phone text tips, text the word “LAPD” and your massage to274-637. To send web tips, log onto www.lapdonline.org and click on “Anonymous Web Tips.” When providing information, please refer to DR#1202-23311.]
