'Apologetic Bandit' robs Mission Viejo gas station

MISSION VIEJO, Calif. (KABC) -- The search is on for an apologetic robber who struck an Arco gas station in Mission Viejo Friday. He is suspected in several robberies in South Orange County over the last year.

Surveillance video shows the suspect, dubbed the "Apologetic Bandit," entering and robbing the gas station on Crown Valley Parkway at the 5 Freeway at 3:26 a.m. He was apologetic and told the clerk to "have a good night" before fleeing on foot. He was armed with a small, black handgun.

Authorities believe the same suspect was involved in several robberies in the past year, including two robberies last week. In each of the previous robberies, the suspect description was the same, and the man is either apologetic or extremely polite.

The suspect was described as 5 feet 7 inches, 20-22 years old, with a small build. He was wearing all black clothing, a black mask with glasses on the outside and black Converse shoes.

Anyone with information is urged to call the Orange County Sheriff's Department at (714) 647-7000 or Orange County Crime Stoppers at (855) TIP-OCCS.

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