Nigerian serial thief nicknamed ‘Blue Cloth Bandit’ arrested for over 60 armed robberies in US
A Nigerian-American serial robber, Charles Chukwuma Onwuemelie, has been arrested in connection with more than 60 armed robberies in the United States, the Los Angeles Police Department announced on Wednesday, September 27, 2022.
According to the LAPD, since October 2021, there have been a total of 68 armed robberies linked to the 29-year-old suspect.
nicknamed the “Blue Cloth Bandit”, Onwuemelie used a blue cloth to cover his handgun during robberies.
“Since October 2021, there have been a total of 68 armed robberies attributed by investigators to the same suspect. The robberies have taken place throughout Los Angeles County and the City of Los Angeles. RHD investigators have been investigating the 16 robberies that occurred within city limits,” the LAPD said in a statement.
“During their investigation, RHD detectives discovered that the suspect routinely used a blue cloth to cover the handgun used in the robberies that occurred at gas stations, 7-11s and Walmarts.
“The suspect was hiding wearing different hats, a face mask and rubber gloves. The same vehicle was used in multiple robberies, and the same suspect was linked to the robberies based on multiple factors.
“When the suspect struck again on Friday, September 23, detectives hatched a plan, launched a lookout and eventually served a search and arrest warrant.
“29-year-old Quartz Hill resident Charles Chukwuma Onwuemelie was arrested at his home. Evidence further linking him to the robberies was also found at the scene, including a firearm.
On September 27, the Los Angeles District Attorney’s Office filed 16 counts of 211 PC – Robbery, for the robberies that occurred in the city of Los Angeles.
Additional charges are expected to be filed by the Los Angeles Sheriff’s Department regarding the robberies that occurred within LA County lines. It is believed the suspect may be wanted for other armed robberies in the area.
