Elusive "Roofman" Robber Sought, Toll-free Nationwide Tipline Established: 1-800-425-0317

(SACRAMENTO) – Attorney General Bill Lockyer and state and local law enforcement agencies are seeking tips and information regarding the elusive "Roofman" robber. Anyone with information is encouraged to call a toll-free nationwide tipline: 1-800-425-0317. The "Roofman" robber is wanted for more than 35 armed robberies of retail businesses in nine different states since November, 1998. There is a $10,000 reward for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the "Roofman" robber.

The California Department of Justice (DOJ) Bureau of Narcotic Enforcement is coordinating the effort to identify and arrest the "Roofman" robber, along with representatives from local and state law enforcement agencies and retail businesses. The "Roofman" robber has been described by witnesses as a white male, 18 to 30 years old, thin to medium build, and from 5'7" to 6'3"in height.

The crimes committed by the "Roofman" robber have all occurred either just before the businesses opened or shortly after the business closed for the day. In all cases, the "Roofman" robber entered the business by cutting a hole in the roof, sometimes waiting for hours to surprise employees. In every case, the "Roofman" robber was armed and wore a mask. He has been described as polite and calm, and although he has fired a handgun for "effect," he has not shot at or physically injured anyone. A number of McDonald's restaurants have been targeted, and the suspect may also have been referred to as the "McDonald's Roofman Robber." The suspect has robbed employees of other fast food restaurants and grocery stores, as well as a video store, a hardware store, and a toy store.

The "Roofman" robber is suspected of committing numerous crimes in multiple states over the past 14 months. Dates and locations of crimes committed are as follows:

November, 1998 to April, 1999 - California, Nevada, and Oregon.
May, 1999 - Minnesota.
July and August, 1999 - California.
August, 1999 through October, 1999 - Maryland, Virginia, North Carolina, and South Carolina.
October, 1999 through December, 1999 - California
January, 2000 - Massachusetts.

Citizens with tips or information are asked to consider the times and locations of the crimes. The "Roofman" may have worked with an accomplice in some of the cases and should be considered armed and dangerous, and any citizen with information is encouraged to call the nationwide toll-free tipline at 1-800-425-0317.