South Bay’s “Starving Bandit” Arrested

Detectives have arrested a man known as the “Starving Bandit” in connection with a series of commercial robberies that occurred between October 2011 and April 2012.

On Friday authorities announced they now have 29-year-old Carlos Dudley in custody for this string of robberies, which occurred primarily in the South Bay.

The suspect – described as very thin or “gaunt,” thus earning the “Starving Bandit” nickname – generally targeted restaurants and fast food establishments in the late evening or early morning hours.

Detectives said he would enter a business with his hand concealed in a plastic bag to simulate a weapon.

He would then demand cash and flee the scene.

On April 28, Dudley entered an IHOP restaurant at 4200 Camino de la Plaza.

He had already robbed the same location the previous month and employees recognized him and alerted police.