Apologetic Bandit arrested in Lake Forest

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contacts: Lt. Jeff Hallock, (714) 904-7042/Gail Krause, (714) 623-8940

Apologetic Bandit arrested

LAKE FOREST, Calif. – (February 3, 2014) – On Friday, January 31, 2014, Orange County Sheriff’s deputies arrested Farhad Sharifi, 19, Aliso Viejo, on suspicion of committing numerous robberies over the course of the last 12-14 months.  Sharifi was arrested early Friday morning after committing an armed robbery at the 7-11 convenience store located at 24386 Muirlands Blvd., in Lake Forest.

On Friday, January 31, 2014 at approximately 3 a.m., Orange County Sheriff’s deputies were dispatched to the 7-11 for an armed robbery that just occurred.  During the initial response, a suspicious vehicle was seen leaving the area of the 7-11 and was followed by deputies. The vehicle was followed to the area of Rockfield Blvd. and El Toro Rd. where Sharifi was subsequently taken into custody after a foot pursuit and establishment of a perimeter.

The follow-up investigation by Sheriff’s investigators have led them to believe that Sharifi is responsible for approximately ten (10) robberies of gas stations and convenience stores in the South Orange County area.  A replica handgun (air soft gun), clothing and a mask similar to those worn during the series of robberies were recovered as evidence.

The arrest of Sharifi was the result of a collaborative effort between Orange County Sheriff’s Department patrol deputies and investigations.  Patrol deputies were expedient in their response and made a critical observation of Sharifi’s vehicle leaving the area.  Investigators conducted a thorough follow-up investigation with the recovery of evidence linking Sharifi to the series of robberies.

Anyone with information regarding Sharifi or the robberies is encouraged to call Orange County Sheriff’s Department investigators at (949) 425-1900.  Anonymous tips or information may also be submitted to Orange County Crime Stoppers at 855-TIP-OCCS (855-847-6227) or at occrimestoppers.org.

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