Police Seek Thief Who Posed as Cop

Sheriff’s detectives are looking for a man who impersonated a police officer and robbed a couple sitting in their car at Cerritos Regional Park early Sunday morning.

The male victim, from Garden Grove, and his female companion, from Hawaiian Gardens, were sitting at a secluded area of the park at 12:30 a.m. when the robber approached their vehicle, according to the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department.

The robber wore blue-jean shorts and a Seattle Mariners jersey, but he flashed a police badge and ordered the couple out of their vehicle. He threatened to arrest the couple if they didn’t give him money. He escaped on foot with an undisclosed amount. No injuries were reported.

The robber is described as mixed race with medium to dark skin. He is about 35 years old, and 5 feet 7 with a stocky build. He has a mustache, goatee and black hair pulled back in a ponytail. An unidentified tattoo was spotted on one of his calves.

Police officials said Regional Park is a popular hangout for young couples, and they are concerned that the area might attract criminals like the kidnapper of Antelope Valley teens Jacqueline Marris and Tamara Brooks.

“This incident is particularly disturbing because [this park] is a notorious lovers lane area ... it hearkens back to what happened in Lancaster,” Cerritos Det. Chris Derry said. “We want to do everything to catch this guy before he takes it to the next level.”

Cerritos is offering a $5,000 reward for information leading to the robber’s arrest and conviction.

Anyone with information is asked to call (562) 467-6817.