Serial Garden Glove Bandit Sought

September 11, 2008

Los Angeles:  Los Angeles police are asking for the public’s help in identifying and locating a man who allegedly robbed 13 businesses, including one bank, throughout the San Fernando Valley and surrounding cities since December 2007.

A lone White male dubbed the “Garden Glove” bandit hit a bank and robbed 12 popular chain stores during the early morning hours and the evenings.  In each incident, the suspect walks into the location wearing dark sunglasses, a hoodie, or a black jacket and gardening gloves. After the suspect engages in conversation with the cashier, he brandishes a handgun, orders the clerk to place the money in a plastic bag and takes off in an unidentified vehicle.  The suspect is in his 40s, stands 6’1″and weighs between 220- 240 pounds.

The following businesses have been robbed:

•December 5, 2007 – 10:30 a.m., CVS Pharmacy,  22968 Victory Boulevard
•December 7, 2007 – 1:30 p.m., Vons, 23381 Mulholland Drive
•December 24, 2007 – 10:30 a.m., Kmart, 19600 Plummer Street
•December 27, 2007 – 6:00 p.m., Smart & Final, 19718 Sherman Way
•January 22, 2008 – 11:30 a.m., Tobacco Store, 8410 Topanga Canyon Boulevard
•January  28, 2008 – 3:45 p.m., US Bank, 5961 Kanan Dune Road
•March 12, 2008 – 8:30 p.m., CVS Pharmacy, 19353 Victory Boulevard
•March 17, 2008 – 8:15 p.m., Rite Aid, 6410 Platt Avenue
•March 28, 2008 – 7:30 p.m., Vons, 16830 San Fernando Boulevard
•March 28, 2008 – 9:00 p.m., Borders Books, 6510 Canoga Avenue
•August 28, 2008 – 3:00 p.m., Bed Bath & Beyond, 6530 Canoga Avenue
•September 2, 2008 – 6:15 p.m., Starbucks, 23381 Mulholland Drive
•September 6, 2008 – 7:30 p.m., Office Depot, 5530 Reseda Boulevard

The suspect is considered armed and dangerous.

Anyone who knows the identity of this robber is urged to call Robbery Homicide Detectives Elehue Bauchman or Thomas Thornton at 213-485-0780.  On weekends or during off-hours, call the 24-hour toll free number at the Detective Information Desk at 1-877-LAWFULL (529-3855).