12 Cases Cleared as Robbery Suspect is Brought to Justice

***FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE***

Whittier, CA. – The Whittier Police Department in conjunction with the Los Angeles Sheriff’s Department Major Crimes Bureau, has apprehended Eric Guzman who is being held on 12 counts of armed robbery throughout the Southland. Guzman, a 35-year-old, Whittier resident, was apprehended on Wednesday, January 3, after Whittier Detectives spotted a car matching the description of the one used in the robberies. After several hours of investigation, Guzman was taken into custody without incident.

Guzman had been named the “Tic Tac” bandit for his unique MO, which started in mid September. Entering pharmacies, coffee shops, and fast food restaurants, Guzman would pose as a customer and select Tic Tac’s, or other small items and approach the cahier to pay. Presenting money to the cashier, Guzman would display a Blued Steel semi-automatic handgun as the cash drawer was opened. He would then reach into the drawer and take the cash before fleeing in a Gold Ford Taurus. Of the twelve robberies, Guzman’s biggest take was only $275.

From September to December, the robberies were conducted in Whittier, Santa Fe Springs, Pico Rivera, Norwalk, East LA, and Montebello. Guzman’s apprehension represents an outstanding investigation that ended a crime spree that was bound to continue.

For further information, please contact PIO Jason Zuhlke at (562) 945-8282.

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