Los Angeles:  Los Angeles Police detectives are asking the public's help in identifying a man who's images were caught on surveillance tape.

Beginning September 18, 2005, an armed man has robbed three small businesses in the area of 1st Street and Vermont Avenue.  The man walks into the business, pulls a handgun from his waistband and demands money and property from the business employees.

Just before one of the robberies, the suspect was seen by an optometrist for an irritated contact lens, and may still be wearing contact lenses or eyeglasses. 

On October 10, 2005 at 6:30 PM, the suspect was caught on video surveillance tape, committing an armed robbery at Red Ribbon Bakery at 138 North Vermont Avenue. 

The suspect is described as a male, Hispanic, 6 feet tall, 180-200 pounds with a mustache.  He also may have a tattoo on his right forearm.

A VHS copy of the surveillance tape is available at Media Relations Section.

Detectives are asking anyone with information regarding the identity of this suspect to call Detective Carbonara or Detective O’Shea at Rampart Robbery Detectives at 213-207-2090.  On weekends or during off-hours, the public can call the toll free, 24-hour anonymous tip line at 1-877-LAWFULL (1-877-529-3855).