SAN DIEGO -
A man suspected of robbing at least 19 businesses in San Diego County since late September was behind bars today, authorities said.
Dragon Jones, 41, was arrested late Saturday in San Ysidro after he crossed into the United States from Mexico, according to National City police.
Jones is suspected of being the "Back Room Bandit.''
Authorities nicknamed him that because the robber ordered employees to the back, then flashed a gun as he demanded cash. In some cases, the gun was concealed in a metal clipboard box. In other cases, Jones allegedly held employees at gunpoint.
No one was hurt in any of the robberies, which occurred in San Diego, Chula Vista, El Cajon, La Mesa and National City. Several types of businesses were targeted, including bakeries, floral and pet shops, and stationary stores.
Forensic evidence left at a robbery scene tied Jones to one of two National City robberies, according to National City police, who alerted the FBI and U.S. Customs and Border Protection to look for Jones. Police did not immediately elaborate on the nature of the evidence that allegedly ties Jones to the National City robbery.
Jones was booked into San Diego Central Jail. He was scheduled to be arraigned Wednesday afternoon.
Dragon Jones, 41, was arrested late Saturday in San Ysidro after he crossed into the United States from Mexico, according to National City police.
Jones is suspected of being the "Back Room Bandit.''
Authorities nicknamed him that because the robber ordered employees to the back, then flashed a gun as he demanded cash. In some cases, the gun was concealed in a metal clipboard box. In other cases, Jones allegedly held employees at gunpoint.
No one was hurt in any of the robberies, which occurred in San Diego, Chula Vista, El Cajon, La Mesa and National City. Several types of businesses were targeted, including bakeries, floral and pet shops, and stationary stores.
Forensic evidence left at a robbery scene tied Jones to one of two National City robberies, according to National City police, who alerted the FBI and U.S. Customs and Border Protection to look for Jones. Police did not immediately elaborate on the nature of the evidence that allegedly ties Jones to the National City robbery.
Jones was booked into San Diego Central Jail. He was scheduled to be arraigned Wednesday afternoon.
