Police Suspect 'Western Bandit' Has Struck Again In Hollywood
HOLLYWOOD (CBSLA.com) — Police believe an armed robber they've dubbed the "Western bandit" has struck again in the Hollywood area.
Investigators say evidence now links the suspect to a series of muggings along the Western Avenue corridor, including one in which a witness was shot.
Officials have released a sketch of the man they consider armed and dangerous.
Investigators say he targets people walking alone between 10 p.m. and 6 a.m., including people coming home late from work or getting up early to go to work.
The Western bandit always strikes along the six-mile stretch of Western Avenue, from Hollywood Boulevard to 62nd Street in South L.A., police said.
In some cases, the suspect shoots the victim first then demands they hand over valuables. In other cases, he demands their property then shoots them.
Investigators say the suspect is responsible for fatally shooting a transgender person in Hollywood a year ago, then shooting another person that same night at a park in West Hollywood.
