OC Serial Robbery Suspect, Dubbed 'Apologetic Bandit', Arrested

LAKE FOREST (CBSLA.com) — A 19-year-old was in custody Monday on suspicion of robbing multiple Orange County businesses over the past year.

Farhad Sharifi, of Aliso Viejo, was arrested early Friday morning after allegedly committing an armed robbery at a 7-Eleven convenience store at 24386 Muirlands Blvd. in Lake Forest.

Deputies responded to the location around 3 a.m., followed a suspicious vehicle and after a brief foot pursuit Sharifi was taken into custody.

During a follow-up investigation, officials recovered evidence linking the suspect to approximately 10 robberies of gas stations and convenience stores over the past 12-14 months. He had been dubbed the 'Apologetic Bandit' as he would reportedly be remorseful to the victims involved in the crimes.

Sharifi was being held without bail.

Anyone with information regarding Sharifi or the robberies was asked to contact the Orange County Sheriff's Department at (949)425-1900. Anonymous tips or information can also be submitted to Orange County Crime Stoppers at 855-TIP-OCCS (855-847-6227) or at occrimestoppers.org.

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