Who is the Shaggy Bandit? NR18103ti

West Hills. Los Angeles
detectives have released video of a man who committed an armed
robbery at a Game Stop store, taking over $1000 in cash and video
games, March 25, 2018, just after 5 p.m. He could also be related
to a post office robbery where a reward has been offered.

“The video shows his premeditation,” explained Det. Fernando Avila,
robbery investigator at the Topanga Police Station. “First, he
backs his silver KIA compact car into a parking space near the
store. He sports a trimmed moustache and beard, hence the nickname,
Shaggy, with glasses and a cap.”

The robber spent 13 minutes in the Game Stop, first collecting
merchandise, then approaching the checkout counter. “With another
clerk and a customer with a child wandering the story, the robber
pulls a revolver from his waistband,” Det. Avila added. “The scared
clerk cooperated and no one else in the store was the wiser, nor
injured.”

The suspect appeared to be White or Middle Eastern, tall, with a
slender build. He resembles a suspect who recently robbed a post
office in the West Valley area. The Postal Inspector has issued a
$50,000 reward on the arrest and conviction of that suspect. “If he
is the same man, that’s a real incentive,” Det. Avila added.

The value of the video games and accessories exceeded the cash the
robber got from the register. Detectives surmise the merchandise
might be for personal use or re-sold online. Some videogame stores
re-buy new and used games, which puts such businesses in the
position of buying back their own stolen merchandise.

The license plates on the silver KIA have been removed. “Despite
his disguise, we think someone who knows this robber will be able
to put his general appearance and the car together to come up with
a name.

Anyone with information in this case is urged to call Det. Fernando
Avila, Topanga Detective Division, at (818) 756-3520. During
non-business hours or on weekends, calls should be directed to
1-877-LAPD-24-7 (1-877-527-3247). Anyone wishing to remain
anonymous should call the L.A. Regional Crime Stoppers at
1-800-222-TIPS (800-222-8477) or go directly to
www.lacrimestoppers.org. Tipsters may also visit
www.lapdonline.org, and click on “Anonymous Web Tips” under the
“Get Involved-Crime Stoppers” menu to submit an online tip. Lastly,
tipsters may also download the “P3 Tips” mobile application and
select the L.A. Regional Crime Stoppers as their local
program.

Det. Avila is available for interviews at Topanga Police Station
until 4 p.m. Video is available at the police station by shooting
off the screen.