Investigators tie nine San DIego robberies to the ‘Burgundy Bandit’

SAN DIEGO (KUSI) – Authorities asked the public Monday for help in identifying a man who has carried out at least nine San Diego-area commercial robberies in recent months, in several cases striking twice on a single day.

The prolific thief, dubbed the “Burgundy Bandit” by investigators due to the color of his clothing in several of the cases, carried a handgun tucked in his waistband while committing the crimes and displayed the weapon to employees in order to ensure their compliance, according to the FBI.

He also wore gloves, sunglasses and a baseball cap in an apparent attempt to disguise his features, the federal agency reported.

On several occasions, the perpetrator, who appears to be in his mid- 40s to early 60s, cased targeted establishments for five minutes or so prior to confronting workers and demanding cash.

Witnesses have described the bandit as a roughly 5-foot-8-inch, 175- pound black or Hispanic man with graying dark hair.

Anyone with information about any of the robberies is asked to call San Diego County Crime Stoppers at (888) 580-8477 or contact the agency online at sdcrimestoppers.org. Tipsters may remain anonymous and could be eligible for a reward of up to $1,000.

FBI News Release: San Diego Field Office:

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 (9) 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.

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.

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