Los Angeles: On Wednesday, May 8, 2002, a suspect responsible for a series of robberies along Whittier Boulevard, was identified and arrested at his residence in the City of Commerce.

During the span of three weeks prior to his arrest the suspect, identified as Ray Prado, armed with a stunt-gun or a syringe, entered several neighborhood stores and threatened the victims by stating he had AIDS and that he would puncture them with tainted blood in the syringe. In several of the robberies the suspect wore a dark colored apron or a knit cap and a mask.

Ray Prado is described as a 27 year-old male Hispanic, 5 feet, 11 inches tall, weighs 160 pounds.

Hollenbeck detectives investigating the robberies committed by the suspect, believe that there may be other victims who have not reported the crimes. Any additional witnesses or other victims that believe they were robbed by a suspect matching Pardo's description or his "Modus Operandi" are urged to contact Detectives J. Gutierrez, or E. Garcia at 323-526-3164. On weekends and during off-hours, call the 24-hour toll free number at the Detective Information Desk, 1-877-LAWFULL.

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