Robbery Suspect Believed To Be Behind 7 Heists Throughout Orange County Since 2014
SANTA ANA (CBSLA.com) — Police asked for the public's help Thursday to track down a man they say has committed at least seven robberies in five Orange County cities since 2014.
The most recent robbery happened at about 4:28 a.m. on Jan. 4, at a 7-Eleven convenience store in the 1440 block of West MacArthur Boulevard in Santa Ana.
The man entered the store and simulated a handgun in his jacket pocket, then demanded all the money in the cash register and about 60 California Lottery scratchers, Santa Ana police officials said. He was last seen leaving the parking lot in a white 2007-2012 4-door Chevy Malibu.
About two hours later, a man matching the description of the Santa Ana suspect was captured on surveillance video, cashing in several of the stolen scratchers at a Westminster liquor store.
Detectives believe this suspect has committed at least seven robberies in five cities throughout Orange County starting on Oct. 2, 2014. On each occasion, the suspect was seen leaving in a similar Chevy Malibu. A woman was seen driving the getaway car at least once.
Police say both should be considered armed and dangerous.
The male suspect is described as a Hispanic man between 30 and 40 years old, about 6 feet tall, 180 to 200 pounds and having pock marks on his face. During the Jan. 4 robbery, he wore a black hooded sweatshirt, light blue jeans, brown work boots, a white surgical mask, a black "San Francisco Giants" ball cap and blue or black gloves.
Anyone with information about the robbery or the vehicle can contact Detective A. Garcia at (714) 245-8408.