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California State University East Bay

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California State University East Bay

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Hayward Robberies

Since November 2010, there has been a string of similarly committed armed robberies occurring in Hayward that may be related, with the most recent being at a Hayward Starbucks on Feb. 13.

“There are consistencies in the descriptions made by the victims,” said Lieutenant Roger Keener of the Hayward Police Department. “There is some similarity in the description. They are most likely connected. That’s how we were able to make that conclusion.”

Victims allege the suspect used a gun in the commission of the crimes. One victim, a Walgreens cashier, alleges the suspect struck the cashier in the head while looking away.

“The victim did not receive any significant injuries, and was facing away at the time,” said Keener. “We think the victim was lightly tapped on the head with the gun, based on the lack of significant injury. When the victim turned around, the victim noticed a handgun pointed in their face.”

The suspect is described as a light-skinned black male in his early-to-mid-20s. The suspect appears to be approximately 5’ 10” tall and weighs about 160 pounds.

A suspect with a similar description has been reported in seven other robberies in Hayward. Similar incidents have been reported in Fremont and San Leandro.

Investigators are reviewing evidence to determine if these crimes are related. The clothing and method of operation of the crimes vary slightly, but there is salient characteristic of a mole or birthmark on the suspect’s left cheek or chin area. The physical descriptions and the suspect’s race are also a commonality.

“Whatever that mark is on the left side of their face is very distinctive,” said Keener. “We are not sure if it is a mole, a birthmark or a discoloration. The height and weight has varied, with a 3-inch variation in height, and 20-30 pounds in weight. The differentiations could be related to lighting, clothing and position related to the witnesses.”

Police are still reviewing video surveillance of the robberies and may be turning to a sketch artist to create a composite of the suspect.

The businesses robbed include Walgreens, Starbucks, Quiznos, Subway and Sonic Burgers.

Anyone with information regarding these robberies or the suspect is asked to call the Hayward Police Department at (510) 293-7000 or Detective Hutchinson at (510) 293-7165.

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Hayward Robberies