Surveillance video released in search for ‘Midnight Bandit’

Detectives asked the public for help Monday in identifying a man suspected of more than 55 robberies in the Southern California area, including Newport Beach.

The “Midnight Bandit” has targeted gas stations and convenience stores throughout the Southland for more than a year, according to a Los Angeles Sheriff’s Department news release.

Typically the store is occupied by a single clerk who is robbed at gunpoint in the middle of the night, according to the release.

Detectives released surveillance video that shows the alleged gunman, driving a silver 2000 to 2004 Jaguar S type four-door sedan, before and after an armed robbery that took place on March 14, 2013 in the 3800 block of Florence Avenue in the city of Bell.

Authorities said the man was believed to have committed robberies in multiple cities, including Anaheim, Bell, Buena Park, Burbank, Culver City, Garden Grove, Glendale, Huntington Park, La Palma, Los Angeles, Long Beach, Los Alamitos, Monterey Park, Newport Beach, Pasadena, Santa Monica, South Gate and Torrance.

Detectives asked anyone who recognized the man to come contact their local Sheriff’s station.

People who wish to remain anonymous were asked to call “L.A. Crime Stoppers” at 800-222-TIPS (8477).