Crime & Safety
Robberies Shake Up Redlands/Loma Linda
Multiple robberies at businesses and restaurants are causing fear among residents.
The robberies of several businesses in Redlands is sending shockwaves throughout the city and its neighbors, including Loma Linda.
The suspect - described as a black man in his 30s, between 6 feet 2 inches and 6 feet 4 inches, weighing 200 to 230 pounds - is believed to have struck at least three times in Redlands over the past month: at Stell Coffee on March 7, Shear Perfection salon on March 14 and Dairy Queen on March 23, where he shot a female employee in the leg. On Monday morning, it’s believed that the same man tried to rob the Radio Shack on Redlands Boulevard, but was scared away when an employee screamed.
Volunteers have distributed flyers with images of the robber across town, and residents are taking notice.
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“I’m looking at everyone a little bit suspiciously now,” said Kelly, a Redlands resident who asked that her last name not be used. “I go to some of the places that have been robbed, or at least to stores near them, so I am very concerned.”
Some believe that these robberies are a sign of the times.
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“It sounds like he’s pretty desperate,” said Shirley Greene, of Redlands. “He’s bold, going to places in the day and in the same area. People are desperate because of the economy. Really, why else would someone do that?”
Lt. Chris Catren with the Redlands Police Department told the Redlands Daily Facts that the RPD believes the man might be responsible for robberies across San Bernardino County, and also in Orange and Los Angeles counties.
The Redlands Police Department has stepped up their presence in town, and Redlands resident Tony Martinez is certain the robber will soon be apprehended.
“They’ll catch him,” he said. “Hopefully when he gets caught, it won’t be because he hurt somebody.”
During the robberies, the man was seen wearing a black hooded jacket with the hood up, black pants, gloves and a black scarf or bandana over his face. So far, there have been no vehicles involved. RPD is encouraging people to call 911 if they see anyone matching this description.
Anyone with information is asked to call Det. Frank Rocha at 909-798-7580 or dispatch at 909-798-7681. Tips can also be sent anonymously by texting 274637 and using the keyword “REDTIP.”