California portrait artist claims customer robbed him of $500 -- but drawing left behind, now given to police
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A California man who asked a caricaturist to draw his portrait ended up allegedly stealing money from the artist, who gave police the cartoon-like drawing in hopes it would catch the thief.
The alleged theft occurred around 11:50 p.m. during the Festival of Lights event in downtown Riverside, on Dec. 5.
The suspect had asked the artist for a portrait of himself, but just as the caricaturist had finished, the suspect grabbed the artist's money bag containing roughly $500 and fled on foot -- leaving the drawing behind.
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The Riverside Police Department posted a photo of the drawing on its Facebook page, seeking the public's help in identifying the suspect.
"DO YOU RECOGNIZE THIS CARICATURE? And no, we are not kidding," police said.
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The suspect was described as a black male in his early 20s, about 5 feet 1 inch tall with an average build, black hair, and mustache. Police said he was last seen wearing a blue and red jacket, white undershirt, black pants, and a red hat.
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"This caricature is of the suspect, but of course, has exaggerated characteristics and features," police added.
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Anyone with more information on the man is advised to contact Jeff Putnam at 951-826-2054.