Robbery Suspect to Get Psychological Tests
A man alleged to be the “remorseful robber,” a nickname given him by police because he sometimes returned cash or valuables to his victims, was ordered Friday to undergo a psychiatric evaluation.
Ronald Sykes, 29, of Eagle Rock, pleaded not guilty by reason of insanity in San Fernando Superior Court to 39 counts of robbery and one count of kidnaping in connection with a robbery.
Superior Court Judge Meredith C. Taylor ordered Sykes to return to court Feb. 6 with results of the testing.
According to court records, Sykes allegedly approached victims on foot as they left their homes, got out of cars or worked in their yards. He then would reveal a shotgun wrapped in a shirt or jacket and demand money. All the robberies occurred in the San Fernando Valley.
The robber acquired his nickname after some victims told police that he returned money, a bank teller card and jewelry after they pleaded with him.
Sykes, who is being held in jail, was arrested July 23 in Mission Hills after a special police unit assigned to pursue armed criminals saw his vehicle and followed him to a convenience store.
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