Armed Robber Terrorizes Highland Park Businesses

HIGHLAND PARK, CA — Police Tuesday released images of a masked man suspected of committing six armed robberies since Nov. 7 at businesses in the Eagle Rock and Highland Park areas of Los Angeles.

"The suspect enters a business and demands cash from the register," according to a Los Angeles Police Department statement. "The suspect takes the money and runs away from the location. The suspect possibly leaves the area in a silver Nissan Sentra or similar vehicle."

Police say the robberies occurred about:

• 10 p.m. on Nov. 7 in the 4900 block of Eagle Rock Boulevard;
• 4:15 p.m. on Nov. 11 in the 4700 block of Eagle Rock Boulevard;
• 9:40 p.m. on Nov. 13 in the 1000 block of Colorado Boulevard;
• 12:30 p.m. on Nov. 14 in the 5800 block of York Boulevard;
• 7:30 p.m. on Friday in the 6400 block of York Boulevard; and
• 5:20 p.m. on Saturday in the 400 block of North Avenue 64.

The suspect is described as Hispanic, in his late 20s or early 30s, 5 feet 5 inches tall and weighing about 200 pounds.

In each case he was wearing a white paper mask of a type used for cosmetic facials, a black hoodie, blue jeans, gloves and white tennis shoes, possibly Nike Air Max, with blue laces.

He was armed with a small blue steel revolver that resembled a starter's pistol.

The mask is form fitting and has holes for the eyes, mouth and nose.

Anyone with information that could help investigators identify the suspect was urged to call (323) 561-3472 to speak with Detective Franco.

After-hours and weekend calls should be directed to (877) LAPD-24-7. Anonymous tips can be provided through crime stoppers by calling (800) 222- TIPS.

City News Service