Los Angeles:Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) Topanga Division detectives saidthat they have arrested a parolee who is believed to have committedover a dozen robberies throughout Los Angeles and Kern Counties sinceNovember 2009. The arrest was the result of a collaborativeinvestigation by the LAPD, Kern County Sheriff Office (KCSO) and LosAngeles Sheriff Departments (LASD) Santa Clarita Valley Station.
On January 24, 2010, at around 2 a.m., a Topanga Division gang unittook 57-year-old James Brammer into custody without incident nearQuakertown Avenue and Vanowen Street in Winnetka. He was booked forrobbery and is being held in lieu of a $250,000 bail.
On January 23, 2010, the suspect hit a Baskin-Robbins located at 19942½ Ventura Boulevard around 9:40 p.m. Detectives said a man wearing afake mustache entered the business carrying a handgun, demanded moneyand left the store.
After LAPD detectives learned KCSO and LASD had similar robberies, theygained solid leads and were able to get a description of the suspect. The suspect was arrested after electronic surveillance helped track hiswhereabouts.
Investigators conducted a search at Brammers home in Reseda andcollected evidence he used in the robberies. Detectives have connectedhim to 14 robberies thus far. Brammer was paroled for robbery in April2009.
Anyone with information about these robberies is urged to call the LAPDRobbery Homicide Division at 213-486-6850. During non-business hoursor on weekends, calls should be directed to 1-877-LAPD-24-7. Anyonewishing to remain anonymous should call Crimestoppers at 800-222-TIPS(800-222-8477). Tipsters may also contact Crimestoppers by texting tophone number 274637 (C-R-I-M-E-S on most keypads) with a cell phone.All text messages should begin with the letters LAPD. Tipsters mayalso go to LAPDOnline.org, click on "webtips" and follow the prompts.