Police Arrest Man Dubbed Fake Mustache Bandit NR10035ah

January 27, 2010

Los Angeles: Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) Topanga Division detectives said that they have arrested a parolee who is believed to have committed over a dozen robberies throughout Los Angeles and Kern Counties since November 2009. The arrest was the result of a collaborative investigation by the LAPD, Kern County Sheriff Office (KCSO) and Los Angeles Sheriff Department’s (LASD) Santa Clarita Valley Station.  

On January 24, 2010, at around 2 a.m., a Topanga Division gang unit took 57-year-old James Brammer into custody without incident near Quakertown Avenue and Vanowen Street in Winnetka.  He was booked for robbery and is being held in lieu of a $250,000 bail.  

On January 23, 2010, the suspect hit a Baskin-Robbins located at 19942 ½ Ventura Boulevard around 9:40 p.m.  Detectives said a man wearing a fake mustache entered the business carrying a handgun, demanded money and left the store.

After LAPD detectives learned KCSO and LASD had similar robberies, they gained solid leads and were able to get a description of the suspect.  The suspect was arrested after electronic surveillance helped track his whereabouts.  

Investigators conducted a search at Brammer’s home in Reseda and collected evidence he used in the robberies. Detectives have connected him to 14 robberies thus far. Brammer was paroled for robbery in April 2009.    

Anyone with information about these robberies is urged to call the LAPD Robbery Homicide Division at 213-486-6850.  During non-business hours or on weekends, calls should be directed to 1-877-LAPD-24-7.  Anyone wishing to remain anonymous should call Crimestoppers at 800-222-TIPS (800-222-8477).  Tipsters may also contact Crimestoppers by texting to phone number 274637 (C-R-I-M-E-S on most keypads) with a cell phone. All text messages should begin with the letters “LAPD.” Tipsters may also go to LAPDOnline.org, click on "webtips" and follow the prompts.