‘Asian Wig Bandit,’ who drives a BMW, prompts a $25,000 reward
For more than six months, a man dubbed the Asian Wig Bandit has allegedly committed 15 armed robberies at businesses across Southern California.
On Monday, the Los Angeles Police Department announced a $25,000 reward for information leading to his arrest.
The man apparently earned his nickname because of his choice of disguise: a blond or black shoulder-length wig.
Dressed as a female and wearing sunglasses, the bandit typically hits up businesses that handle money transfers to the Philippines. According to police, he brandishes a handgun, forces employees to drop to the floor, and demands jewelry and money. During one robbery, he allegedly used a Taser.
Since December, the Asian Wig Bandit has committed 11 robberies just in L.A. County, including eight in the city of Los Angeles. Police also believe the man has robbed businesses on two occasions each in Rancho Cucamonga in San Bernardino County and Chula Vista in San Diego County.
Police say the suspect, shown in security camera footage, is an Asian male, age 25 to 30; 5 feet, 9 inches tall and weighing between 160 and 180 pounds. He drives a beige or light-colored BMW SUV, possibly an X5 model.
Police are asking anyone with information to contact Det. Freddy Arroyo or Det. Daniel Jaramillio in the robbery homicide division at (213) 486-6840. Anonymous tips can be submitted by calling Crime Stoppers at (800) 222-TIPS (800-222-8477).
ALSO:
29 L.A. firefighters lost in 1933 in Griffith Park blaze
Abcarian: Yoga in public schools is exercise, not religion
Transit official on BART strike: ‘It could have been much worse’
Twitter: @mattthamiltonn
Start your day right
Sign up for Essential California for news, features and recommendations from the L.A. Times and beyond in your inbox six days a week.
You may occasionally receive promotional content from the Los Angeles Times.
