Burglary Suspect Wanted For Stealing Thousands Of Dollars From 3 Family-Owned Juice Bars

PANORAMA CITY (CBSLA.com) — Detectives Thursday released images of a suspect wanted for breaking into three family-owned juice bars.

The suspect allegedly stole thousands of dollars in cash during the burglaries between March 28 and April 6 at three Raspado Xpress locations, officials said.

The first one took place in Panorama City,  the second was in Pacoima and the last occurred in Sun Valley, according to the Los Angeles Police Department.

All three crimes took place between 4 a.m. and 5 a.m. when the businesses were closed.

Based upon the suspect's actions, detectives believe he had gotten inside information from an employee or former employee.

"He takes his time in one burglary because he knew there was no alarm," Det. Samer Issa, who is investigating the first case in Panorama City, said. "In another break-in, he actually had the combination to a lock to gain entry."

The LAPD released images from surveillance video of the suspect described as an Hispanic man in his 30s with a medium build and dark hair.

He has a tattoo of what could be a cross or an emblem on his right forearm.

"Anyone who knows this man should recognize the tattoo," Det. Issa said. "We'd really like to identify him before he strikes another business."

Raspado Xpress is a chain of four juice bars owned locally by two brothers. The fourth store in Sylmar has not been hit. 

Anyone with information on these crimes was asked to call Det. Issa, Mission Burglary detectives, at (818)838-9977. Anonymous tips can be called into Crimestoppers at 800-222-TIPS (8477), or by texting 274637 (C-R-I-M-E-S on most keypads) with a cell phone. All text messages should begin with the letters "LAPD." Online tips may be placed here.