Robbery Series - Police Impersonator

On August 30, 2007 at 5:10 p.m., a series of robberies began in the City of Whittier and continued in the City of Santa Fe Springs. A man dressed in a tan uniform, posing as a police officer, robbed a number of pedestrians.

The first incident occurred at Whittier Blvd. and Madison Ave. The suspect was driving a black four door compact car, when it stopped in front of the victim who was walking on the sidewalk. The suspect was described as a male Hispanic with black hair and brown eyes, approximately 5’-8” tall, and weighing 250 pounds. The suspect told the victim that he was a police officer and ordered the man to move against the wall. The suspect went through the victim's pockets and removed various items. After the suspect fled the location, the victim realized that he was missing $60 from his pocket.

The second incident occurred at the corner of Florence Ave. and Laurel Ave., and the third incident occurred at the corner of Florence Ave. and Carmenita St., both located in the city of Santa Fe Springs. The second and third robberies occurred minutes after the first robbery was reported to the Whittier Police Department. In these incidents, the suspect wore a tan uniform and a green windbreaker with the word "Sheriff" across the left breast. The suspect also displayed a star insignia resembling a badge. The suspect was met with some resistance by the victims in these two robberies and as a result, the suspect fled empty handed.

Two additional incidents occurred in the city of Artesia, which is in the jurisdiction of the Los Angeles County Sheriffs Department.

A dark haired female was observed sitting in the passenger seat during the first incident and as a driver in the second incident.

Anyone with information should contact the Whittier Police Department at (562) 945-8250.