Detectives filed criminal charges against Mexico resident Adan Peralta, 25, and a warrant was issued for his arrest, according to the LAPD.
A person tipped off detectives that Peralta and his brother had been bragging about the crimes.
Two elderly women in Little Tokyo had necklaces snatched from their necks, one in July and one in August. The first victim was blind, and so was unable to identify her attacker.
Surveillance video showed a man fitting Peralta's description wearing a backpack during the crimes. Police dubbed the suspect the "Backpack Bandit."
Peralta was found walking in Little Tokyo, police said, and was arrested.
Since the suspect could not be identified by the blind victim, police could not obtain a criminal filing. Peralta was deported by ICE to Mexico. Police say Peralta has been deported multiple times, the last time in April.
After the deportation, police found a witness who was able to identify Peralta from a photographic lineup.
An arrest warrant for robbery was issued for Peralta with a bail of $105,000.
"Peralta seems to always land back in the downtown area," said LAPD Lt. Paul Vernon, commanding officer of the Central Detective Division. "Every officer has a flyer with his face on it, and we'll be ready if he returns."
If you have information related to the incident, contact the LAPD Central Division at (213) 972-1251.
