Los Angeles police announce arrest of "Western Bandit" suspect
LOS ANGELES -- A man suspected in a string of violent crimes, including two murders, was arrested Monday, reports CBS Los Angeles.
Investigators say they believe Patrick Watkins is the "Western Bandit," who is accused of killing two people and shooting six others between 2011 and 2014 along Los Angeles' Western Boulevard.
The earliest of the crimes Watkins is accused of is the November 2011 murder of a 32-year-old transgender woman, and the most recent is the December 2014 murder of a 56-year-old man.
Watkins, 51, is suspected in 23 cases altogether. He has been charged with 53 felony counts, including two counts of murder with special circumstances and 25 counts of attempted murder. It's unclear whether Watkins has an attorney.
Los Angeles Chief of Police Charlie Beck said during a press conference Monday that one gun links Watkins to all of the crimes he has been charged with.
The crimes occurred in convenience stores and other businesses, generally between 9 p.m. and 7 a.m., along an eight-mile stretch of Western Avenue in Los Angeles, according to police.
Described by police as "very violent" and "quick to use a firearm," the suspect was believed to have generally worn dark clothing and was often seen riding a bicycle.