‘Apologetic Bandit’ suspect arrested in Orange County

A 19-year-old man believed to be the robber known as the “Apologetic Bandit” for his polite and contrite demeanor in 10 armed robberies was arrested following a heist at a Lake Forest convenience store.

Farhad Sharifi was arrested early Friday after allegedly robbing a 7-Eleven in the 24000 block of Muirlands Boulevard, according to authorities. Orange County deputies said they saw a suspicious vehicle leave the area as they arrived.

The deputies followed the car to the intersection of Rockfield Boulevard and El Toro Road, where the suspect led investigators on a short foot pursuit, said Lt. Jeff Hallock, spokesman for the Orange County Sheriff’s Department.

“They initially lost him but set up a perimeter and located him later,” Hallock said.

Sharifi, an Aliso Viejo resident, is suspected of being responsible for about 10 gas station and convenience store robberies in south Orange County.

An air-soft gun, clothing and mask similar to those worn during the earlier robberies was recovered after the arrest, authorities said.

Video of an October robbery at an Arco gas station in Mission Viejo on Crown Valley Parkway showed a robber taking an undisclosed amount of cash from the clerk.

“I don’t want to do this to you” the suspect is heard saying in surveillance video. Before fleeing, the suspect says: “Have a good night, man; sorry.”

Anyone with information is encouraged to call Orange County Sheriff’s Department investigators at (949) 425-1900. Anonymous tips or information may also be submitted to Orange County Crime Stoppers at (855) TIP-OCCS (855-847-6227) or at occrimestoppers.org.

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adolfo.flores@latimes.com

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