Long Beach
Police Department

Robbery detectives have been investigating a series of robberies occurring in Long Beach between February 26, 2021 and July 7, 2021.

During each of the incidents, a suspect entered the businesses with a firearm and demanded cash. Robbery detectives immediately began investigating the series of robberies and gathering video evidence. Through their investigation, detectives determined one suspect was responsible for at least six of the incidents.

At this time, detectives believe the suspect is responsible for robberies in the following locations:

• 1400 block of Alamitos Avenue on 2/26/21
• 600 block of E. Anaheim Street on 3/24/21
• 1000 block of E. Pacific Coast Highway on 6/28/21
• 1300 block of Long Beach Boulevard on 7/1/21
• 900 block of E. Anaheim Street on 7/1/21
• 1000 block of E. Pacific Coast Highway on 7/7/21

On March 25, 2021, a patrol officer observed a vehicle matching the description of the suspect vehicle involved in a March 24, 2021 robbery and made a traffic stop. The driver, Bernard Jester, a 56-year-old resident of Compton, was arrested on an outstanding warrant and was booked for the outstanding warrant as well as bringing a controlled substance to jail, driving without a license, possession of unlawful paraphernalia, driving with an obstructed view, and simple possession of meth/ecstasy/GHB.

Simultaneous to this arrest, Robbery detectives continued to investigate the robbery series and build the case, identifying Jester as the suspect in at least six robberies. On July 21, 2021, detectives arrested Bernard Jester in the City of Compton. He was booked on second-degree robbery.

On Friday, July 23, 2021, detectives presented the case to the District Attorney’s Office for filing consideration.

Robbery detectives are actively pursuing all leads and are discovering more incidents that are possibly related. The Long Beach Police Department encourages anyone with additional information to contact the Robbery Detail at (562)570-7464. Anonymous tips may be submitted through "LA Crime Stoppers" by calling 800-222-TIPS (8477), downloading the "P3 Tips" app to your smartphone (available at the Apple app store or Google Play), or by visiting www.LACrimeStoppers.org.