Police on Tuesday asked for the public’s help to find a masked man sought in a series of at least six armed robberies that took place in the past two weeks in the Eagle Rock and Highland Park areas.
In each of the robberies, a man wearing a white paper mask enters a business and demands cash, according to a Los Angeles Police Department news release that referred to the robber as the “white masked bandit.”
“He said, ‘Open the registers, hurry up.’ And when he said “hurry up,” he flashed a revolver or pistol. And that’s when we gave him all the money,” said Junne Valencia, an employee at a frozen yogurt shop that the suspect robbed. “He just left right away.”
After taking the money, he flees the location and leaves the area in a vehicle, possibly a silver Nissan Sentra or similar car, the release stated.
The robberies occurred on the following dates and locations:
- Nov. 7 – 4900 block of Eagle Rock Boulevard
- Nov. 11 – 4700 block of Eagle Rock Boulevard
- Nov. 13 – 1000 block of Colorado Boulevard
- Nov. 14 -5800 block of York Boulevard
- Nov. 17 – 6400 block of York Boulevard
- Nov. 18 – 400 block of North Avenue 64
In all of the incidents, he had on a form-fitting white paper mask similar to one used for cosmetic facials, with eye, mouth and nose holes.
“He’s wearing this mask, and people are probably looking at him already … obviously he looks a little different wearing this paper facial mask. It’s not a typical mask,” said LAPD Officer Mike Lopez.
A Pizza Hut employee told KTLA she thought the mask was a joke when he came into the business wearing it. But then he said, “You think I’m kidding,” brandished a firearm and then demanded money.
He made off with about $70, the woman said.
Police have released a suspect description, describing the robber as a Hispanic man in his late 20s to early 30s, about 5 feet 5 inches tall and weighing around 200 pounds.
The man was seen wearing a black-hooded sweatshirt, blue jeans, gloves and white tennis shoes with blue laces in each incident, according to the release.
Police said a small blue steel revolver resembling a “starter pistol” has been used in the crimes.
Lopez advised anyone who encounters the masked individual to call 911.
Additionally, anyone who recognizes the individual or has information about the case is urged to contact LAPD Detective Franco at 323-561-3472 during business hours, or by calling 1-877-527-3247 during non-business hours. Anonymous tips can also be left by dialing Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477.
