Armed Robbery Suspect Impersonated A Police Officer NR12171kr

Los Angeles:  A suspect who committed at least seven street robberies while impersonating a police officer is in custody, but Detectives believe there may be additional victims.

Beginning on September 16, 2009, the suspect, 42-year-old George Turegano of Fontana, began committing street robberies by walking up to, or at times driving up behind his victims, and identifying himself as a police officer.  He dressed in plain clothes, wore a badge around his neck, had a set of handcuffs, and was armed with a handgun.

Turegano’s method of operation would be to detain the victims, at times by handcuffing them, and search their person and cars.  During the searches he would take the victims money before running or driving off.  He was seen driving a gray 2005 Chevy Suburban and a gray 2004 Chrysler Sebring.

Turegano was arrested by Robbery Homicide Detectives on August 10, 2010 for the robberies listed below:

1. September 16, 2009,  6th Street & Bonnie Brae Avenue
2. June 4, 2010, 3400 block of 15th Street
3. June 19, 2010,  2900 block of Barranca Avenue
4. June 30, 2010, 8th Street and Union Avenue
5. July 18, 2010, 11th Street and Burlington Avenue
6. July 18, 2010, 1400 block of South Bonnie Brae Avenue

Turegano was released on bail during his criminal proceedings, on March 3, 2012 he committed another street robbery at 7th Street and Mateo Avenue using the same method of operation.

On April 2, 2012, officers assigned to the LAPD/FBI Fugitive Task Force re-arrested Turegano for robbery.  He is currently being held on $575,000 bail.  The Los Angeles County District Attorney’s office has filed an additional count of robbery against Turegano.

Turegano is a male Hispanic, black hair, brown eyes, 5 feet 8 inches tall, weighing 220 pounds. 

Anyone with information about these or similar crimes that may have gone unreported are asked to contact Robbery-Homicide Division, Detective Freddy Arroyo at (213) 486-6840.  During non-business hours or on weekends, calls should be directed to 1-877-LAPD-24-7 (877-527-3247).  Anyone wishing to remain anonymous should call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (800-222-8477). Tipsters may also contact Crime Stoppers 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.