Bogus blind bandit robs Wilmington check cashing store

WILMINGTON, LOS ANGELES (KABC) -- Los Angeles police are searching Tuesday for a man who robbed a check cashing store in Wilmington by pretending to be blind.

The man walked into the store on July 24 using a cane and wearing dark sunglasses. He claimed he lost his sight in the Iraq war and spent 90 minutes gaining the trust of an employee, who later opened a bulletproof security door to hand him a bottle of water.

He then pulled out a gun and demanded that the employee empty the safe.

"People generally have a good place in their heart for people who are disabled. They want to help, and when something like this happens, it hardens them and it makes them think twice the next time when someone actually does need help," LAPD Det. Thomas Baren said.

The man stole about $5000 and left without harming anyone. It was unclear if he fled on foot or in a vehicle.

Anyone with information about the incident is asked to call LAPD Harbor Division at (310) 726-7845.