What:
Press conference

When:
Friday, July 27, 2001
2:00 P.M.

Where:
In front of Parker Center
150 N. Los Angeles Street
Los Angeles.

Why:
LAPD will release information about the arrest of a serial robbery suspect. The suspect's booking photograph will be available during the press conference.

Los Angeles: Since early May of 2001, a male hooded bandit began a series of robberies in Mini Markets in the San Fernando Valley.

The suspect targeted Mini Markets exclusively and on occasion would rob at least two locations a day.

The suspect wore a hooded sweatshirt, bandana and gloves. His facial features were totally concealed. He entered the locations mainly during late night hours, simulated a gun and demanded money.

The robberies were captured on surveillance videotape depicting the hooded bandit.

Robbery-Homicide Detectives acquired the assistance of the Metropolitan Division for selected stakeouts in the targeted areas. Meanwhile, the suspect continued his robbery spree.

On July 27, 2001, 12:55 A.M., after approximately 51 robberies, Metro officers observed a possible suspect at an Arco AM-PM Market in the 20000 block of Vanowen Street. The suspect matched the physical description of the Hooded Bandit and was wearing a sweatshirt with a hood. The suspect appeared to be talking on the telephone while watching the activity in the market. A customer exited the market and the suspect swiftly entered the market and moments later exited the market and entered his vehicle.

The Metro officers, believing that the suspect might be the Hooded Bandit, maintained surveillance of the suspect while verifying with the clerk if a robbery had occurred. The officers verified that the suspect had just committed a robbery, stopped the fleeing suspect and arrested him without incident.

The suspect was identified as Ehsan Mohammed Jalal, 28 years old from Srilanka. Jalal is a resident of West Valley and resides in the immediate area of the robbery. He lives with his elderly parents. He alleges that he started committing robberies to support himself and his parents after being unable to obtain employment. Jalal is cooperative with detectives.

Metro officers' experience, patience and tenacity during this operation resulted in the arrest of a serial predator without injury or incident.

This investigation is being handled by Detectives Jack Giroud and Bret Richards of Robbery-Homicide Division, 213-485-2511.

This media advisory was prepared by Public Information Officer Eduardo Funes, Media Relations Section 213-485-3586.