Armed Man In Wig Robs Nordstrom In Mission Viejo

MISSION VIEJO, CA — An armed man clad in black and donning a red or orange wig robbed a Nordstrom store at gunpoint in Mission Viejo Saturday evening, authorities said. Investigators were asking for the public's help Sunday to identify the robber.

The robbery happened around 8:30 p.m. Saturday in the mall off Marguerite Parkway and Shops Boulevard after the store closed at 8 p.m., according to the Orange County Sheriff's Department. Multiple callers reported that an armed person was inside the mall.

The suspect brandished a gun and fled the mall with an unknown amount of cash, department spokeswoman Carrie Braun said. No shots were fired. One person suffered a minor injury while attempting to flee the mall and was treated by Orange County Fire Authority paramedics.

Members of the sheriff's SWAT team scoured the mall for the suspect but ultimately couldn't locate him. Most of the shops inside the mall were closed at the time but exterior shops and restaurants were open when the robbery occurred. Some remaining patrons inside the mall sheltered in place.

The suspect was described as a white man, around 20 to 30 years old, who was wearing an orange or red wig, black clothing and sunglasses.

Anyone with information regarding the suspect or robbery was urged to call OCSD dispatch at 949-770-6011 or OC Crime Stoppers at 855-TIP-OCCS.

#OCSDPIO Investigators are asking for assistance to ID the man suspected of committing an armed robbery last night at the Shops at Mission Viejo Mall. If you have any information contact Dispatch 949-770-6011 or anonymous tips to OC Crime Stoppers at 1-855-TIP-OCCS. @OCSDMissionV pic.twitter.com/OUQhFzfsKL
— OC Sheriff, CA (@OCSheriff) September 12, 2021

City News Service contributed to this report.