Authorities seek help in identifying ‘Midnight Bandit’

Authorities are asking for the public’s help in identifying a man they say is responsible for 58 gas station robberies throughout the Los Angeles County, including in Glendale, Burbank and Pasadena.

The suspect -- dubbed the “Midnight Bandit” because he typically struck between 10 p.m. and 6 a.m. -- is believed to have targeted lone gas station employees who were robbed at gunpoint, according to the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department.

He reportedly committed six robberies per month from April 2012 to May 22 this year.

The same suspect allegedly struck twice on Dec. 23 in the Glendale and Burbank region: the A to Z Service Station in the 2000 block of North Glenoaks Boulevard just after 10 p.m., and about an hour and half later, Roger’s Service Center in the 1200 block of Verdugo Road, police said.

Two other gas stations in Burbank were also targeted on Dec. 12 in the 1600 block of North San Fernando Boulevard and Aug. 31 in the 100 block of West Alameda Avenue.

He was recently seen at the scene of a robbery in a four-door silver or gray, 2000 to 2004 Jaguar S-Type about 9:30 a.m. in the 3800 block of Florence Avenue in Bell, officials said.

Authorities described the man as black, 25 to 30 years old, about 5 feet 8 inches tall and 180 to 200 pounds.

He is considered armed and dangerous.

Anyone with information was asked to call Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Major Crimes Bureau at (562) 946-7893.

To remain anonymous, call the Los Angeles Regional Crime Stoppers at (800) 222-8477, or text TIPLA to 274637, or visit lacrimestoppers.org.

-- Veronica Rocha, veronica.rocha@latimes.com

Follow on Google+ and on Twitter: @VeronicaRochaLA.