25K Reward for Capture of "Asian Wig Bandit"

 Authorities hope a $25,000 reward will help detectives track down the "Asian Wig Bandit,'' who has disguised himself as a woman and robbed 15 Southland businesses specializing in money transfers to the Philippines.

The crimes took place between Dec. 12 of last year and June 8, according to the Los Angeles Police Department.

Eight robberies occurred in Los Angeles, two in West Covina, one in Glendale, two in the San Diego County community of Chula Vista and two in the San Bernardino County community of Rancho Cucamonga.

"The suspect walks into a business disguised as a female, wearing a wig and sunglasses,'' according to an LAPD statement. ``As he approaches the employees, he pulls out a handgun, orders them to the ground, and demands money and jewelry.''

In one of the crimes, the suspect used a Taser on an employee.

He's described as Asian, 25-30 years old, 5 feet 9 inches tall and 160-180 pounds, wearing a blonde or black shoulder-length wig. e may be driving a beige or light-colored BMW SUV, possibly an X5 model.

The reward was offered by the city of Los Angeles for information leading to the identity, arrest and prosecution of the robber.

Anyone with information on the case was urged to call detectives Freddy Arroyo or Daniel Jaramillo, (213) 486-6840, or (877) LAPD-247.

- City News Service