San Diego, California - The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI)’s Violent Crimes Task Force, working in coordination with the San Diego Police Department, El Cajon Police Department and La Mesa Police Department, are seeking the public’s assistance to identify the individual responsible for a series of robberies. To date, investigators have determined that this robber is responsible for nine robberies of local businesses located in San Diego, La Mesa, and El Cajon, California.
During the robberies (listed below), a lone male entered the business and approached an employee of the business. The robber carried a handgun hidden in his waistband and displayed it to the employee. The robber demanded money from the employee, often collecting money from several locations within the business. Upon receipt of money, the robber departed the business on foot. Investigation has determined that on several occasions, the male cased the business for approximately five minutes prior to the robbery.
The robber has been dubbed the “Burgundy Bandit” because he wore a burgundy colored sweatshirt and burgundy/black colored pants in several robberies. In an attempt to disguise his appearance, the male wore long sleeved shirts and pants, a baseball hat, sunglasses, and gloves.
Robbery Information:
- June 27, 2018
Fred Loya Insurance
342 North 2nd Street, El Cajon, California - August 17, 2018
Walmart
300 North Second Street, El Cajon, California - September 7, 2018
Walmart
8810 Grossmont Boulevard, La Mesa, California - September 18, 2018
Fred Loya Insurance
8333 Clairemont Mesa Boulevard, San Diego, California - September 18, 2018
Fred Loya Insurance
4120 Clairemont Mesa Boulevard, San Diego, California - September 19, 2018
Leslie's Pool Supplies
2916 Jamacha Road, San Diego, California - September 19, 2018
Yogurtland
6165 El Cajon Boulevard, San Diego, California - September 20, 2018
Walmart
300 North 2nd Street, El Cajon, California - October 12, 2018
Walmart
3382 Murphy Canyon Road, San Diego, California
Witnesses have described the robber as follows:
- Sex: Male
- Race: Black or Hispanic with dark complexion
- Age: Mid 40s—Early 60s
- Height: 5’8” tall
- Build: Medium
- Weight: 170-180 lbs.
- Hair: Dark/gray
- Other: Clean Cut with facial hair
- Clothing: Burgundy colored hoodie/sweatshirt, black or burgundy colored pants, black shoes, black and white gloves, black sunglasses, and black baseball cap
- Weapon: Handgun displayed and threatened during robberies
**See surveillance photographs below to help investigators identify the “Burgundy Bandit.”
If you have information regarding this robber, please contact:
- San Diego FBI: (858) 320-1800; www.fbi.gov/tips
- San Diego Crime Stoppers: (888) 580-8477; www.sdcrimestoppers.org
