Who:
Deputy Chief Gary Brennan, Detective Bureau, Captain Al Michelena, Robbery Homicide Division, Captain Michael Downing, Hollywood Area

When:
Thursday, December 23, 2004, at 10:00 a.m.

Where:
Los Angeles Police Department’s Hollywood Division, 1358 North Wilcox Avenue, Los Angeles

Los Angeles: On Thursday, December 23, 2004, at 10:00 a.m., detectives from the Los Angeles Police Department’s (LAPD) Robbery Homicide Division (RHD), will hold a news conference to warn the public of a robbery suspect who impersonates LAPD Officers.

Since June 7th of 2004, detectives have been investigating a series of street robberies that have occurred predominantly in the Hollywood area. The suspect has committed at least 16 robberies and usually targets elderly or physically challenged victims at bus stops, public restrooms, sidewalks and parking lots. The most recent crime occurred on December 15, 2004 .

The modus of operandi of the lone suspect is that he approaches his victims, displays what appears to be an LAPD badge and asks the victims to show their identification. When the victims produce their wallet, he takes their currency under the pretense that he is going to take the money to the police station to have it tested for the presence of narcotics.

A composite drawing of the serial robber will be made available at the news conference.

In addition, the LAPD wants to remind the community that if they encounter anyone who identifies themselves as a Los Angeles Police Officer and if there is doubt about their identity, a photo identification should be requested.

Anyone with information regarding this incident is requested to contact Detective Ray Hernandez, Robbery Homicide Division, at 213-485-2511. On weekends and during off-hours, call the 24-hour toll free number at the Detective Information Desk, at 1-877-LAWFULL (1-877-529-3855).

This news release was prepared by the Los Angeles Police Department’s Media Relations Section, at 213-485-3586.