Robber Sentenced to 36 Years in Prison
A 28-year-old transient convicted of committing a string of armed robberies in the North Hollywood area was sentenced Thursday to 36 years in prison.
In addition, Antonio R. Vargas faces a mandatory 10-year sentence after pleading guilty Thursday to eight counts of robbery. The robberies were committed after he escaped from Biscailuz Center, a jail in East Los Angeles, on Oct. 21, Deputy Dist. Atty. Norman F. Montrose said.
Vargas was originally arrested on March 18, 1987. He had been in jail awaiting trial on multiple counts of armed robbery, robbery and attempted robbery when he escaped, Montrose said. Vargas, who preyed on small North Hollywood businesses such as fast-food restaurants and gas stations, would sometimes hit the same place more than once, authorities said.
Vargas was captured on Nov. 7 after he was shot and wounded by police as he attempted to flee a robbery at a Domino’s Pizza, authorities said.
Vargas still faces charges in Los Angeles Municipal Court over escaping from jail, Montrose said.
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