Los Angeles: On January 7, 2002, at approximately 7:00 p.m., Los Angeles Police Department Officers Adrian Moody and William Skett, while on routine patrol, received a radio call regarding a robbery that had just occurred at a Los Angeles business. Aware of a pattern of robberies in the area by a lone gunman, Officers Moody and Skett searched the surrounding area for vehicles and suspects, which matched the bandit’s description. At the intersection of Corbin Avenue and Parthenia Street, Officers Moody and Skett observed a male suspect driving a pick-up truck that matched the description of the lone armed robber who was preying upon several San Fernando businesses.

Forty-one year-old Richard Canon was arrested and booked for multiple counts of Robbery. Subsequent investigation by Robbery-Homicide Division detectives revealed that Canon was the suspect identified during a recent LAPD press conference as, "The Valley Business Bandit."

Los Angeles Robbery-Homicide Division detectives held a press conference on December 21, 2001 to ask for public cooperation in the apprehension of the bandit who conducted a series of robberies upon several businesses that included markets, motels and restaurants. The press conference proved critical in the identification process of suspect Canon. Robbery-Homicide detectives believe Canon is responsible for over twenty separate robberies. Following the press conference, Crime Alert notifications were disseminated to officers during roll-call crime discussions. Robbery suspect Canon was apprehended with the alert patrol skills of the Los Angeles Police Department officers. The Los Angeles Police Department wishes to thank the media and the public for their assistance contributing to the capture of this dangerous criminal.

Anyone with further information can contact Los Angeles Police Department, Robbery-Homicide Division, 213-485-2511. During off-hours and weekends, call the 24-hour toll free number at the Detective Information Desk, 1-877-LAWFULL (1-877-526-3855).

This press release was prepared by Public Information Officer Jack Richter, Media Relations Section, 213-485-3586.