A 37-year-old man suspected of robbing about five dozen gas station and fast food restaurants in less than a year was arrested in Bakersfield in February, officials announced in a news release Wednesday.
The “Midnight Bandit” allegedly robbed 58 businesses in at least 18 Southland communities between April 2012 and June 2013, according to the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department. After a press conference held in June 2013 asking for the public’s help in finding the robber, officials said the robberies stopped.
Detectives Lorenz and Cabral continued to work the case, and received the public’s help and clues after the press conference. The detectives followed up on the unusual gait that the suspect had when he walked, which led them to Bakersfield where additional information was obtained.
Jermaine D. Shepherd was arrested with the help of the Kern County Sheriff’s Department on Feb. 19, officials said. Shirts believed to be worn by the “Midnight Bandit” were found during searches at three locations.
Shepherd faces a slew of charges, including counts of armed robbery and assault with a deadly weapon.
Local
Get Los Angeles's latest local news on crime, entertainment, weather, schools, COVID, cost of living and more. Here's your go-to source for today's LA news.
Shepherd was arraigned and his bail was set at $2.4 million. He is expected in court for a preliminary hearing on June 20 in Pomona.
