Man robs caricature artist, forgets to take portrait with him, police say

RIVERSIDE, Calif. — A California man who posed for a caricature grabbed about $500 from the artist, but left behind what might be incriminating evidence - the cartoon image of himself that police are using in efforts to identify the suspect.

Police in Riverside, California are hoping that the image of the suspect, despite the exaggerated characteristics, will lead to an arrest. The Riverside Police Department posted the image along with a more detailed description of the suspect on Facebook Tuesday:

DO YOU RECOGNIZE THIS CARICATURE? And no, we are not kidding...

On Thursday, December 5, 2019, the victim was working as a caricature artist at the Festival of Lights event in downtown Riverside. Around 11:50 p.m., the suspect approached the victim and asked for a portrait of himself. The victim agreed and created the attached caricature of the suspect. Once the victim was finished, the suspect grabbed a money bag that belonged to the victim, which contained about $500 in cash. The suspect fled on foot leaving his portrait behind.

This caricature is of the suspect, but of course, has exaggerated characteristics and features. The suspect was described as a Black make adult in his early 20’s, about 5’1” tall with an average build, black hair and mustache, and last seen wearing a blue and red jacket, white undershirt, black pants, and red hat.

Police are asking anyone who recognizes the suspect to contact Riverside Police at 951-826-2054.

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