Ding! The armed robber nicknamed the “Opening Bell Bandit,” believed to be responsible for no less than seven robberies in Clackamas, Multnomah and Washington counties, has been caught.
He has been identified as Christian David Perry, 49, of Happy Valley. West Linn PD bestowed the nickname on him for his habit of robbing stores and restaurants in the early morning hours, shortly after they’d opened for business.
However, he evidently broke from that pattern at his latest crime. He was arrested following a robbery at around 5:30 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 4, at the Sunsup Tanning Salon on Southwest Pacific Highway in Tigard.
The suspect entered the salon armed with what was described as a screwdriver. He confronted an employee and demanded money. While the suspect was removing money from the register, a customer approached. The suspect threatened him and lunged at him with the screwdriver, police say, then fled the scene.
His description matched those of other robberies linked to the Opening Bell Bandit: white male, approximately 5’10” and 250 pounds, wearing a ski mask, hoodie and gloves.
Perry was tracked with the aid of a K-9 officer from the Hillsboro Police Department. Police say he was located a “short distance away,” where he was taken into custody.
Perry also had a felony warrant from the Oregon State Parole Board for a prior robbery. He was booked at the Washington County Jail on charges of first-degree robbery, unlawful use of a weapon and menacing.
He is likely to also face charges in other jurisdiction for robberies linked to the Opening Bell Bandit:
